These images feature various personnel from 2/8th while training at Biet Jirja, the large AIF training camp in Palestine in 1940-41. They are part of the collection of Bill Thomason, a Bendigo collector of militaria. The collection includes two albums put together by a Lieutenant Brown in 1940-41, possibly attached to the 19th Training Battalion at Biet Jirja in Palestine. The albums record events and personalities from units passing through the camp, including many friends of the author in a range of units. The images include those taken by Brown, along with images seemingly supplied by friends from different units. Refer to record number 9928P and 10106P for details on physical albums.Contains unique images of AIF life in Palestine and Syria.Photographs of various 2/8th identities while at Biet Jirja training campsyria, palestine, egypt, thomason collection, 2/8th battalion aif

These images feature various personnel from 2/4th Battalion, featuring Christmas lunch, while training at Biet Jirja, the large AIF reinforcement depot and training camp in Palestine in 1940-41. Also featured are a number of images of Lieutenant Brown, who put together the albums. They are part of the collection of Bill Thomason, a Bendigo collector of militaria. The collection includes two albums put together by a Lieutenant Brown in 1940-41, possibly attached to the 19th Training Battalion at Biet Jirja in Palestine. The albums record events and personalities from units passing through the camp, including many friends of the author in a range of units. The images include those taken by Brown, along with images seemingly supplied by friends from different units. Refer to record number 9928P and 10106P for details on physical albums.Contains unique images of AIF life in Palestine and Syria.Photographs of various 2/4th identities while at Biet Jirja training camp and reinforcement depotsyria, palestine, egypt, thomason collection, 2/4th battalion aif

This album was part of the collection of Bill Thomason, a Bendigo collector of militaria. The collection includes two albums put together by a Lieutenant Brown in 1940-41, possibly attached to the 19th Training Battalion at Biet Jirja in Palestine. They record events and personalities from units passing through the camp, including many friends of the author in a range of units. The images include those taken by Brown, along with images seemingly supplied by friends from different units. This particular set features the 2nd/31st Battalion. Refer to record number 9928P and 10106P for details on physical albums.Contains unique images of AIF life in Palestine and Syria.Photographs of D Company 2/31st Battalion during training and deployment in the Middle East 1940-412/31st battalion, syria, palestine, egypt, thomason collection

This album was part of the collection of Bill Thomason, a Bendigo collector of militaria. The collection includes two albums put together by a Lieutenant Brown in 1940-41, possibly attached to the 19th Training Battalion at Biet Jirja in Palestine. The albums record events and personalities from units passing through the camp, including many friends of the author in a range of units. The images include those taken by Brown, along with images seemingly supplied by friends from different units. This particular set is the second one featuring D Company, 2nd/31st Battalion. Refer to record number 9928P and 10106P for details on physical albums.Contains unique images of AIF life in Palestine and Syria.Photographs of D Company 2/31st Battalion during training and deployment in the Middle East 1940-412/31st battalion, syria, palestine, egypt, thomason collection

These images feature various personnel attending courses and the Middle East Tactical School. This school honed the leadership and command skills of officers. The images are part of the collection of Bill Thomason, a Bendigo collector of militaria. The collection includes two albums put together by a Lieutenant Brown in 1940-41, possibly attached to the 19th Training Battalion at Biet Jirja in Palestine. The albums record events and personalities from units passing through the camp, including many friends of the author in a range of units. The images include those taken by Brown, along with images seemingly supplied by friends from different units. Refer to record number 9928P and 10106P for details on physical albums.Contains unique images of AIF life in Palestine and Syria.Photographs of participants and environment of the METS and MEWTS training schools for officers. These schools were credited with providing an extra degree of professionalism to Australian and Commonwealth officerssyria, palestine, egypt, thomason collection, mets middle east tactical school

WW1 AIF Training Camp in Egypt prior to deploying to Gallipoli The photograph shows the living conditions (Tents). It also shows the vastness of the site and suggests large numbers of servicemen. These two photographs are historically significant. They demonstrate the conditions that the soldiers in training experienced before they arrived at the front-line. They give the modern viewer some understanding of what it was like in Egypt. It is also very significant because it keeps the memories alive. Professionally framed work, two pictures one above the other. Shows AIF Camp with pyramids in background.Brown frameaif training, gallipoli, 1st australian division, egypt, ww1, australian imperial force

AIF Artillery group. Training in Australia.photo, ww1, army

Possibly reinforcements to 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF training at Broadmeadows prior to proceeding ovrtseas.Good image of " soldiers at rest " during training WW1Black and white photograph mounted on card of eight soldiers enjoying a cup of tea. There are Bell tents and horses in the background.Imprinted across lower edge of card " J. Colquhoun Photo - Broadmeadows Camp 1915 - 1 Donald Street, Prahran ."

Letters written by Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF from Training camps in England. refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details..1) letter, “ “YMCA, H.M.Forces On Active Service” letterhead, print in red and black, ruled lines, hand written in black pen, dated. .2) Envelope, yellowish colour, green postage stamp, hand writing in black pen. .3) .4) letter, same as .1) different date and Camp..1) Main points, “Lark Hill Salisbury Plain England, 24th sept 1916”, “Dear Mother”. .2) addressed, “Mrs A.E.Ferris Terrick Terrick Via Pyramid” .3) Main points, “Hurdcott camp 23 Nov 1916”, “Dear Mother & ones at home”.letters, ymca, envelopes, ww1

Letters written by Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF from a training camp near Codford England to his family in Australia. refer cat No 4183.3P for his service details. .1) Envelope, rectangular shape, off white colour, stamped "Field Post Office", stamped "Passed by Censor", hand written address in black ink." .2) Letter, Ünited Navy and Army Board Soldiers Church and Institute" letterhead, all print in black, hand writing in black ink, dated. .3) letter, "YMCA" letterhead, print in black and red, hand written in ink and pencil, dated..1)"Mrs W Ferris Terrick Terrick Via Pyramid Victoria Australia" .2) Main items, "4.10.16", "Dear Marian and all at home" .3) "4.11.1916"letters, envelopes, codford, ww1

The Tom Flood Sports Centre was originally called The Bendigo Show Grounds. This plaque was unveiled by the City of Greater Bendigo & the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch to Commemorated the venue as a "Training Camp" during WW2. Order of Service was, Welcome, Mr Alan Holmes (President Bendigo RSL) Introduction of Recruits & Others associated with the Camp. A brief history of the Camp and Anecdotes was read by Mr Alan Holmes. Presentation and unveiling of the Plaque by Cr Barry Ackerman, Mayor City of Greater Bendigo. The wording: "Commemorating this site as an Australian Imperial Force Training Camp during WW2. "To the following Corps we pay Tribute" "10th AIF Training Depot" "Australian Army Medical Corps" "Australian Army Ordnance Corps" "Australian Army Service Corp". "Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers" Prayer of Thanksgiving & Commemoration by; Rev J. South. This was followed the "ODE, Last Post, One minutes Silence, Reveille and The National Anthem. As far as records available the Camp was first set up on 17.6.1940 with an Advance Party. The last Troops left there on 30.4.1943 for Ingleburn NSW, the Camp was vacated in May 1943. Pamphlet white paper, A4 folded making 4 pages, all print in black.On the front, "This Commemorative Plaque was unveiled at the Tom Flood Sports Centre Park Road Bendigo Sunday 27th April 1997"brsl, smirsl, plaque, tom flood, training camp

This black and white image taken of Australian soldiers at the Headquarters of the AIF Overseas Training Brigade based at Longbridge Deverell in Wiltshire England prior to distribution of Comfort Funds Xmas Boxes in 1918. One of the soldiers in the image is Private Llewellyn EVANS 5335 of the 24th Battalion. EVANS was born on the 9/8/1879 at Moyhu in Victoria. He was a farmer and enlisted on the 8/2/1916 at the age of 36 years. He embarked on the 1/8/1916 and was wounded twice, first in 1917 receiving a gunshot wound to the right leg and again in 1918 receiving a gunshot wound to the right arm and leg. He returned to Australia and was discharged on 30/4/1919.Sand Hill (Longbridge Deverill)- Sand Hill camp was built in 1914 to accommodate infantry units. Australian troops arrived at Longbridge Deverill in October 1917, when their Overseas Training Brigade was moved from Perham Down and established there to train soldiers who had recovered from illness and wounds for a return to active service. Brown timber frame containing photograph of large group of soldiers and band members in an open field.Distribution of "Comfort Fund" Xmas Boxes to A.I.F. Longbridge Deverall, March 1918 comfort fund, ww1, llewellyn evans, 24th battalion, longbridge deverill

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

The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in Egypt on 4 March 1916, during World War I. Depicted are three unidentified Australian soldiers part of the Australian Imperial Force. They are dressed in military uniforms. Each of these men are seated atop a camel's back. All three camels are draped in - what are believed to be - traditional Egyptian textiles, including tassels, carpets and beads. In the background, we can see a triangular pyramid and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The Australian Imperial Force (AIF) were established by the Australian government in August 1914. This announcement marked the beginning of Australia's involvement in World War I. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first contingent of the AIF departed Australia by ship in November 1914. England was their destination. Although, their convoy was diverted to Egypt after the Australian High Commissioner in London, Sir George Reid, and the British military authorities unanimously agreed that the overcrowded military camps in England were unsuitable for so many men over winter. The AIF disembarked in Alexandria, Egypt on 3 December 1914, and the men moved to training camps near Cairo. It was in Egypt that the AIF and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) formed one united corps - the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). This group of troops trained in the desert beneath the pyramids until March 1915.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian Imperial Force landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. The record's unique research potential is strengthened by its relationship to a historically significant site: the Egyptian pyramids. Since the postcard was produced in 1916, the record can be used as primary evidence for historians and conservationists studying these sites, or how these sites have evolved over time. The record may also be a useful resource for those interested in the history of Egyptian textiles. Furthermore, it may also provide insight into international relations between Egypt and Australia in the past and present.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: 172 / Reverse: 6536 / CARTE POSTALE / 4/3/16 / Rough riders under / the shadow of the / pyramids /military album, army, war, wwi, world war i, egypt, pyramid, great sphinx of giza, textiles, australian imperial force, aif, uniform

Peaked cap worn by “Vivian Donald BULLEN". He first enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 11.3.1942 age 22 years 8 months No VX75447, during his time he rose to Acting Cpl, attached to No 4 Chemical Warfare Coy RAE and A.A.O.C in Bendigo, he was hospitalised with a Peptic Ulcer, discharged from the Army on 3.9.1943 to join the RAAF. Enlisted in the RAAF on 4.9.1943 No 431933 as a Aircraftsman, after initial training he was posted to “Air Gunnery School” on 4.2.1944, embarked for England 28.4.1944, went through 3 training units in Bomber Command, posted to 466 Sqd Driffield 19.1.1945. He rose through the ranks from Aircraftsman - LAC - Sgt - Flt Sgt - Fly Officer by 7.10.1945. He flew 13 sorties and was eligible for the France & Germany Star. Embarked for Australia 29.6.1945, discharged from RAAF 9.10.1945. Cap - peaked, navy blue cotton twill, black leather hat band with brass button keepers. RAAF badge in gold and red crown above eagle wings and laurel wreath. Inside cap, leather sweatband and cotton lining. Makers label imprint on sweatband.Sweatband - makers label imprint "Sam Brown Leather". headwear, uniform, ww2, raaf, vivian donald bullen

"ROBERT OSWALD HENDERSON" He was first commissionioned as a 2nd Lt on 16.5.1899. When the 67th Bn Bendigo Militia Training Bn was formed in 1911 he served as Major. Enlisted in the AIF 23.1.1916 with the rank of Major aged 41 years in 38th BN HQ. Embarked 20.6.1916 for England then to France with the BN late 2016, promoted Lt Col to Command the 39th Bn on 1.6.1917, awarded the “DSO” January 1918, WIA 31.3.1918 GSW left Thumb, returned to unit 12.6.1918, KIA 29.9.1918 at Bony - Le Catelet - Hindenburg Line. Refer Cat No. 4978P for the restored Beehive Bendigo Honour Roll.Three photographs. 1. Sepia, oval photograph, Officer in uniform. 2. Photograph, toned blue, Officer in uniform. 3. Photograph, toned blue, Officer in uniform.beehive staff, ww1

These photos were taken at Training Camps in Australia, Shepparton, Royal Park, Darby Camp, Balcombe, Alice Springs, NT, Larrakeyah, Darwin, Bombing of Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide River, New Guinea. There is several interesting photos of damage to Darwin Hotels by AIF units disgruntled at not being sent overseas. Allen Edward Malone VX46797 enlisted in the AIF on 13.7.1940, allotted to 8th Division, transferred to 2/4th Australian Field Workshops 8.2.1941, Moved to the NT arriving 8.5.1941, unit renamed 23rd Independant Group Ordnance W/Shops, moved to QLD 4.6.1943, posted to 2/137 Brigade W/Shops, promoted A/Cpl 26.6.1943, embark 12.7.1943 for New Guinea, detached for duty with 6th Aust Field Ambulance (Had previously done this with prior unit as a medical Orderly) Promoted Cpl 8.12.1943, Leave to Victoria 5.11.1944, embark at Townsville for New Britain 2.2.1945, disembark Brisbane 5.6.1945, discharged from the AIF 28.11.1945.1) Cover for Album, cardboard with a buckram finish, all black colours. .2) Album black covers, black pages with white glassien tissue sheets between each page, rear cover page has a envelope for a disc. Pasted on inside front cover is an A4 sheet typed with the service details re the owner and when taken, 20 pages have photos on with photo corners, photos have details written in white pen under them.On first page in white pen, "A.E. Malone Photo Album - photos taken during War service 1940 - 1945. Many of the photos were taken and developed by A.E. Malone"album ww2, malone collection

A pre-Militia (now CMF) Field Ambulance group, at a Seymour Training Camp, Victoria circa 1910-1913. These men, as CMF, did not serve outside Australia unless they transferred to the regular AIF. The two soldiers in the back row, far right, are wearing the First Commonwealth pattern uniforms 1903-1912 and would be Regular Army instructors. At least twelve of the men in the group are Sergeants. Nil

The Mena Camp, Egypt, was the training camp for the 1st Australian Imperial Forces(AIF) before the Landing at Gallipoli. The camp was located 16Kms from Cairo.Built around Mena House, it was a luxury hotel built next to the Pyramids of Giza (originally spelt Gizeh) supplied with its own purpose built tram-line to Cairo. The centre road up the middle of the camp was known as Artillery Road. The initial force consisted of 20,000 men.The Camp was a major training facility for the 1st Australian Imperial Force in 1014-15.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame showing a photo of Mena Camp-1914/15.Mena Camp-1st Australian Division. Australian Imperial Force-Egypt. 1914-15.mena camp, egypt, gallipoli, cairo, lara r.s.l. training camps, australian imperial force.

Robert George Lunn VX76842 enlisted on 27.2.1942 age 35 years, 5.3 1942 transfer to Engineer Training Echuca, 12.4.1942 transfer to 2nd Field Sqd, 27.6.1942 transfer to No 4 Bomb Disposal Coy, 3.9.1942 transfer to No 2 Bomb Disposal Coy, 18.2.1943 transfer to Engineer Training Centre RAE, 18.8.1943 transfer to 5th Aust Advance Reinforcements Depot Townsville, 11.11.1943 embark for Pt Moresby, 19.11.1943 taken on strength 2/9th Field Coy, 4.6.1944 embark from Lae to Brisbane, 11.8.1944 hospital with Malaria28.8.1944 rejoin unit, 20.9.1944 hospital (unclear), 27.9.1944 rejoin unit, 23.5.1945 embark for Morotai, 7.8.1945 promoted to Cpl, 12.8.1945 fly from Balikpapan to Aust to attend a Junior leaders school Aust Army, 22.8.1945 arrive Vic and attend school, 29.8.1945 attend RAE Training Centre NSW, 31.10.1945 Move to Vic for discharge, 7.11.1945 discharged from the 2nd AIF.Wood framed item with photo, ID tags, medals x 4, RAS badge, RSL badge, all items are set in panels within the frame, panel with text at bottom. Medals. 1. 1939 - 45 Star. 2. Pacific Star. 3. British War medal 1939 - 45. 4. Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45."VX76842 Lance Corporal Robert George Lunn, 2/9 Australian Field Company Australian Imperial Force, 27 February 1942 - 7 November 1945"framed, memorabilia, ww2, medals, lunn

This is a WW1 stand for mounting a .303 rifle, to train soldiers in shooting.This device consists of two parts; 1. Top part has an adjustable 'arm' . At the end of each arm is a leather covered 'U' section. Under the arm is a large threaded rod and knurled knob, this is to adjust elevation. At the center of the arm is a pivot that can lock into position. This top section is mounted on a tripod, it can be removed. 2. This is a steel tripod made out of 'T' section steel. There are fixed cross braces about 40 cm fom bottom. The top has a tube section within which the upper arm mounts.Marked on one leg is "XXI". Believed to be from 21st Bn. AIF. on the top of that leg is a very small arrow head.ww1, training, .303 rifles

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

The Mena Camp, Egypt, was the training camp for the 1st Australian Imperial Forces(AIF) before the Landing at Gallipoli. The camp was located 16Kms from Cairo.Built around Mena House, it was a luxury hotel built next to the Pyramids of Giza (originally spelt Gizeh) supplied with its own purpose built tram-line to Cairo. The centre road up the middle of the camp was known as Artillery Road. The initial force consisted of 20,000 men.The Camp was a major training facility for the 1st Australian Imperial Force in 1014-15.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame showing a photo of Mena Camp-1914/15.Mena Camp-1st Australian Division. Australian Imperial Force-Egypt. 1914-15.mena camp, egypt, gallipoli, cairo, lara r.s.l. training camps, australian imperial force.

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

Book contains notes for physical training. Property belonged to Howard Maxwell DAY VX31282, 2nd AIF. Refer Reg No 92.2 for service details also 87, 88, 90, 91.2.Light brown cardboard cover; name & illustration of knight in armour on horseback on front. Inside, lined pages with margins & handwritten notes. Australian Comforts Fund loose sheet inside.Handwritten top right: VX31282 L/Cpl H.M Day 3 Corps Section 1st Aust Ord Fld Park Front centre: Domrémy Bottom left: No 4760documents - notebooks, records, training instructions

Herbert Trangmar Allan, refer 2755.4 for his extensive service history and wards. .2) Details gifting of a pair of Japanese binoculars to Col H T ALLAN by Pacific Island Regiment. .3) Certificate issued by Winston Churchill, Secretary of State for War (The War of 1914-1918), awarded to Capt H T ALLAN MC. .4) Herbert Trangman ALLAN born 5.1.1895 at Woolwich, NSW. Middle name misspelled, should be Trangmar not Trangman. .6) Congratulating H T ALLAN on receiving the Military Cross award for leading 2 companies which had lost officers during action on Passchendaele Ridge on 9.10.1917. .7) Describes life behind the lines whilst H T ALLAN's battalion has been resting for a month. Daily life consisted of training drills, sport & entertainment. Writer takes time to describe the countryside & weather. .8) Relate to H T ALLAN's military exam results & his promotion to 2nd Lieutenant in 1915. .9) To Herbert Allan's father, Mr P Allan detailing the citation for awarding of the Military Cross to Herbert ALLAN. Original citation appeared in the London Gazette,5.4.1918. .10) Form addressed to Capt H ALLAN MC, 17th Battalion stating his period of enlistment in the 1st AIF was to expire 26.5.1919. .11) Letter from Lord BIRDWOOD (General) to Herbert ALLAN in response to a letter received 19.11.19?. General BIRDWOOD expresses his opinions on difficulties the allied troops face in their fight against the Japanese. .12) Letter to Capt H T ALLAN advising of MID oak leaves sent to him. Details guidelines for attaching oak leaves to both the larger Victory Medal & the small service dress medal. .13) Form details H T ALLAN's WWII Army No, Rank, Unit & Decorations & Medals held. The form has not been signed & dated. .14) Details service record of Lt Col H T ALLAN NX12229. Includes military service from 1912 - 1944, schools & courses attended, decorations, promotions & overseas service. .16) Form issued to H T ALLAN on 15.12.1939 granting permission to leave New Guinea for Australia & return within a period of 12 months. Issued by Customs Office in Salamaua. Lists H T ALLAN's age as 44, height 5' 10" & occupation. .17) Letter from Major General MORSHEAD GOC, AIF (ME) to Major H T ALLAN, OBE, MC congratulating him on being awarded the OBE for outstanding service at Tobruch. .18) Letter from Major General MORSHEAD to Major H T ALLAN, OBE, MC replying to ALLAN's letter of 15.6.1943. MORSHEAD is congratulating ALLAN on his appointment to New Guinea Force, also acknowledges his excellent service record. .19) Letter acknowledges H T ALLAN's resignation from the Office of Production Member of the Australian New Guinea Production Control Board, effective from 28.8.1946. .20) Major General WINDEYER commanded the 20th Brigade from 1942-1946. .22) Card sent from the CO of the 3rd Australian Anti-Tank Regiment. .23) Menu for Farewell Dinner held in the Officer's Mess of the 20th Infantry Brigade, Tobruch on 22.10.1941. .24) Menu & Toast list for Farewell Dinner to Brigadier J J MURRAY DSO MC VD. Attended by H T ALLAN & held in the Officers Mess, 2/17 Australian Infantry Battalion on 22.12.1941. .25) Invitation to Col H T ALLAN by Lady Gowrie (wife of Governor General Baron Gowrie) to attend a Luncheon at Government House, Canberra, ACT. .26) Letter to Major (T/Lt Col) H T ALLAN from Major W A JENNER advising him of his secondment to 2/17 Australian Infantry Battalion & appointment to command 5 Aust Base Sub Area. .27) Application for Africa Star with Eighth Army Clasp signed by H T ALLAN & approved by Lt Colonel of 2/17 Australian Infantry Battalion. H T ALLAN held the rank of Major (substantive) at the time of qualification, 1.3.1942 - 11.1942. He held the rank of Lt Colonel at the time of application in 2.1944. .28) Detailing changes in command & promotions including that of Lt Col H T ALLAN, dated 1.4.19? .29) For Lt Col H T ALLAN detailing movements required by First Australian Army command. .30) Acknowledgement & confirmation of Col H T ALLAN's application for campaign awards for WWII. .31) Letter addressed to Lt Col H T ALLAN from Lt Gen Stanley Sauige requesting information on New Britain for a forthcoming visit. .32) Certificate was presented to H T ALLAN on 16.4.1942 when he was awarded an OBE by King George VI. .33) Document details H T ALLAN's relinguishing of Command of the HQ of Pacific Islands Regiment. ALLAN also relinguished the rank of temporary Colonel & was transferred to the Reserve of Officers with rank of substantive Lt Colonel. .35) Official letter to Colonel H T ALLAN from Joseph Francis, Minister for the Army. The letter acknowledges Col ALLAN's long & distinguished career during both peace & wartime. .36) a) & b) From H T ALLAN (assumed) to Prime Minister J B CHIFFLEY referring to the production of copra in New Guinea, the actions of the Commonwealth Bank in relation to planters & the collaboration of New Guinea natives with the Japanese. Assumed to be a copy of original. .37) Letter to H T ALLAN indicating he had been placed on the Retired List with the rank of Honorary Colonel. .38) Letter invites H T ALLAN to officially open the State Conference in Lae in late March or early April 1958. Invitation was extended due to H T ALLAN for distinguished service in PNG. .39) Letter to H T ALLAN thanking him for accepting the invitation to open the Papua & New Guinea State Conference in late March or early April 1958. .40) Letter from H T ALLAN to Lt Gen Sir Henry WELLS, Chief of the General Staff, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne. ALLAN requests permission to wear his uniform for official engagements during his upcoming visit to New Guinea. ALLAN also offers advice on how to deal with native troops including serving time with them, learning their language & studying their customs. He suggests that this would help quell & dissent & revolt. .41) Reply from Major General DALY to HT ALLAN thanking him for his offer to spend time with the CO of the Pacific Island Regiment to address concerns with that unit. This meeting would coincide with ALLAN's upcoming visit to PNG. .42) HT ALLAN's reply to Major General T J DALY's letter of 26.2.1958. ALLAN requests an opportunity to discuss PIR issues with Major General DALY prior to his visit to PNG. .43) Major General T J DALY's reply to HT ALLAN's request for a meeting to discuss ongoing issues with the Pacific Island Regiment. .44) Letter from HT ALLAN to Brigadier D M CLELAND notifying him that he will be staying in Port Moresby on his way to the RSS&AILA Congress in Lae. .45) Lieutenant Colonel MCGUINN writes to invite Colonel ALLAN to visit the PIR during his visit to New Guinea at the end of March of the beginning of April 1959. .46) Letter of appreciation to H T ALLAN thanking him for his efforts in presenting the case for the Territory of New Guinea during the post WWII transition period. .47) Letter to H T ALLAN from New Guinea Citizens Association, Lae Branch, thanking him for his service on behalf of the people of the Territory of New Guinea. The association offered to send ALLAN a suitable present in recognition of his service. .48) Major General T J DALY's reply to HT ALLAN's suggestions for handling disquiet amongst the native troops in the Pacific Island Regiment. .49) Reply from Lieutenant General WELLS to H T ALLAN granting him permission to wear his uniform on his forthcoming visit to New Guinea. WELLS also notes that he has passed other requests made by ALLAN to Major General DALY. .50) Copy of H T ALLAN's reply to Lieutenant General WELL's letter of 24.2.1958 [.49)]. .51) A written account of Colonel H T Blue ALLAN's visit to New Guinea in 3.1958. Article appeared on p.65 & 67 of the 6.1958 edition of Pacific Islands Monthly. .52) Newspaper account of Colonel H T Blue ALLAN's opening of the Rabaul Branch of the Native Ex Servicemen's Association. Colonel ALLAN spoke of the involvement of the Pacific Islands Regiment during WWII. .53) The Rabaul Times account of Colonel H T Blue ALLAN's opening of the Rabaul Branch of Native Ex Servicemen's Club. Featured on p1, concluded p3. .54) Biographical account of Colonel H T ALLAN's service in WWI & WWII. In addition an account of his success in New Guinea between the wars is included. .55) a.b. Biography of Colonel H T ALLAN written by R W Robson who was the founder of the Pacific Islands Monthly. Article was written following ALLAN's death on 23.5.1967 aged 72. This item is a pre publication copy of Robson's article which appeared in the Pacific Islands Monthly. .56) Text of a valedictory given at the funeral of Colonel Herbert Trangmar ALLAN OBE, MC, ED, NX12229 held 26.5.1967 following his death on 23.5.1967. The speech summarized his life in both wars & civilian life. 57) Invitation issued to Colonel H T & Mrs ALLAN to attend a Garden Party at Government House on 18.2.1954. At this function Colonel H T & Mrs ALLAN were to be presented to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.Herbert T ALLAN Collection. The contents are all of various size, the Album is the size documented. .1) Large teal green album containing 16 plastic pockets each with white card insert. Various documents & photos contained in each pocket. .2) Typed letter, black type on cream paper. .3) Certificate mounted on fawn card backed with dark brown veneer. Presented to Capt H T ALLAN MC for being mentioned in despatches on 7.11.1917. .4) New South Wales Birth Certificate extract, printed on pink paper with watermark. .5) Telegram on tissue paper to a sheet of cream paper. Pin located top L corner. Requests the attendance of Lt Herbert ALLAN, Russell Hotel, Russell Square. .6) Typed letter mounted on grey cardboard. .7) 2 page letter on foolscap paper, secured by pin top L corner. Written from France by Herbert (Bert) ALLAN & addressed to his father. .8) 11 pages secured with a clip top L corner. 1st document typed, 2nd handwritten, remainder printed. Relate to H T ALLAN's military exam results. .9) Typed letter from Department of Defence Base Records Office to P ALLAN. .10) Document, printed form to inform the recipient that their period of enlistment in the 1st AIF had expired. .11) 4 page handwritten letter on 2 sheets of paper. 1st page has a printed letterhead. .12) BR Form No 20. Typed formal letter from AIF Base Records Office to accompany Mentioned in Despatches oak leaves sent to the recipient. .13) Form AAFA36 used for recommending the awarding of an Efficiency Decoration. Form details service record & details of a serving soldier. .14) 1 large / 1 small page, numbered, detailing the service record of Lt Col H T ALLAN. Black type on cream paper. 2 pages are loose but evidence of attachment visible. .15) Bachelor of Arts Degree Certificate (testamur) granted by the University of Sydney, awarded to Herbert Trangmar ALLAN. Printed on cream parchment. .16) Proforma document issued by the Territory of New Guinea permitting leave & return to the Territory. Printed 2 sides, black type on cream paper. .17) Letter on Australian Imperial Force letterhead from Major General MORSHEAD to Major H T ALLAN. .18 Letter on HQ2 Aust Corps letterhead from Major General MORSHEAD to Major H T ALLAN. .19) Typed letter on External Territories letterhead from J R Halligan to H T ALLAN. .20) Cream Christmas card folded in 2, sent to H T ALLAN. On front in black lettering is HQ 20th Australian Infantry Brigade below black Rising Sun emblem. Inside in black lettering is With Best Wishes for Christmas and New Year. Christmas 1944. .21) Cream card folded in 2. Front illustration depicts a devil figure riding a platypus & carrying a pennant with 2/13 on it. The devil is depicted attacking a German & Japanese soldier. Below the devil is a boomerang with Greetings Xmas 1944 printed on it. Illustration is in green & black. Inside on LHS is a message from 2/13 Battalion. On RHS is a list of 2/13 battle honours from 1940-1943. On back in black print is 1944-1945 New Guinea Australia. .22) Cream Christmas card folded in 2. Front illustration in brown with word Greetings in green. RHS inside printing in green & brown letters. Artillery badge on back in brown. .23) Cream card folded in 2. Typed menu on cream paper attached inside. Front cover illustrated with 20th Infantry Brigade colour patch & a rat over a scroll with words - So What? .24) Cream card folded in 2. On front black printing accompanied by 2/17 Battalion colour patch that is black over green diamond shape. Inside a list of Toasts & Dinner Menu printed in black. Back page for autographs. .25) Cream invitation card. Black cursive script printing below gold crown on front. .26) Typed letter on cream paper. .27) Typed foolscap application form to claim the Africa Star. .28) & .29) Message form filled with typed orders. .30) Typed letter acknowledging an application for campaign medals & listing eligible awards. .31) Typed letter on bond paper. .32) Certificate on cream parchment. Black print in cursive script. Text details the awarding of an OBE to the recipient. .33) Typed text on Australian Military Forces letterhead. Cream paper. .34) Typed text. Temporary note for H T ALLAN's discharge from AMF. .35) Typed letter on Commonwealth of Australia, Minister for the Army letterhead. .36) a) & b) 2 page letter in black type on cream paper. Pages are loose, letter unsigned. .37) 1 page typed letter on Australian Military Forces letterhead. .38) & .39) 1 page typed letter on Return Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen's Imperial League of Australia, Papua & New Guinea Branch letterhead. .40) 1 page typed letter, unsigned. .41) Single sided typed letter on Australian Military Forces letterhead on cream paper. .42) 1 page typed letter, unsigned on cream paper. .43) Single sided typed letter on Australian Military Forces, Northern Command, Victoria Barracks, Brisbane letterhead on cream paper. .44) Single sided typed letter on cream paper. .45) 2 page typed letter on folded cream paper bearing the letterhead of the Pacific Islands Regiment. .46) 1 page typed letter on cream, lined paper. .47) 1 page typed letter on cream paper. .48) 1 page typed letter on Australian Military Forces, Northern Command Headquarters, Victoria Barracks, Brisbane letterhead on cream paper. .49) 1 page typed letter on Chief of General Staff, Australian Military Forces, Army Headquarters, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne letterhead on cream paper. .50) 1 page copy of an unsigned letter on cream paper. .51) Magazine article: Building a New Nation in New Guinea : Some advice from Colonel Blue ALLAN. Black & white article with a 2nd small section stapled to the main page. Large page features a black & white captioned photo of a group listening to a uniformed Officer deliver a speech. Also features advertising front & back. .52) Newspaper article: Official Opening of Native Ex Servicemen's Club. Black & white typed newspaper article featuring a captioned black & white photo of a uniformed Australian Officer & a group of New Guinea Ex Servicemen. .53) a. b. c. Newspaper article: Master Blue Came Back to the Islands: 4000 Attend Club Opening. 3 Section article cut from a newspaper. One part is the banner of the newspaper with date published. Other sections contain the text of the article. The larger section features a black & white photo of an Australian Army Officer in uniform. .54) Newspaper article, untitled. Black & white typed newspaper article with black & white caricature of an Australian Army Officer featured. .55) a. b. Magazine article: The Story of a Big Man who Loved Soldiering. 2 page black & white typed article with sub headings. .56) Text of a Speech. 2 page typed text written for a valedictory given at a funeral. Pages connected with a staple in the top L corner. .57) Printed, cream card invitation to a Garden Party for the recipient to meet Queen Elizabeth II & The Duke of Edinburgh. Text is in cursive script under the Coat of Arms of Her Majesty. .2) Signature ? Capt S C PIR. .4) Date of issue typed: 30.11.1954 Name of recipient: Herbert Trangman Allan Stamped: T Wells, Registrar General NSW .5) Handwritten: To Lt Herbert Allan, Russell Hotel, Russell Square. Typed: Buckingham Palace OHS. Your attendance is required at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday next the Twentyeighth inst (28.11.19?) at ten o'clock am service dress please telegraph acknowledgement Lord Chamberlain London. Stamped: Central District 24 NO 19. .6) Signed in pencil: W Birdwood. In pencil on back: 15 x 12. .8) p1: Handwritten signature. Copy dated 29.12.1915. p2 Handwritten in ink: P Allan Esq, Mount Hunter Hill. Military Examination. Copy dated 29.12.1915. Handwritten in pencil: Results: H T Allan. Tactics - Distinction 92% HE Barff p3 Underlined in ink: 38th Infantry Herbert Trangmar Allan to be 2nd Lieutenant (provisionally). Dated 16 June 1914. p5 Handwritten: Total 139. Lieut Allan tied with 15 others for 20 place. p7, 9, 10 & 11underlined in ink: H T Allan. p8 Underlined in ink: Allan HT. .9) & .10) Signature in black ink. .12) Handwritten signature in black ink: On back handwritten signature in black ink: Clive Wilkinson, Buddong, Robinson St, Chatswood. Also ? Rd, Cremorne Pt. .13) Handwritten in black ink: Details of HT Allan's Commission Service from 16.6.1914 - 18.2.1946. .15) Handwritten signature of the University Chancellor, Dean of Faculty of Arts & Registrar. Handwritten name of recipient. Seal of the University of Sydney imprinted bottom LHS. .16) Handwritten in black ink: Details of recipient. Stamped in red ink: New Guinea Customs. Stamped in blue ink: H M Customs, Cooktown, dated 17.12.1939. Handwritten on reverse: Signature. Stamped on reverse in red ink: New Guinea Customs, dated 15.12.1939. .17) & .18) Handwritten signature: Major General Morshead. .19) Handwritten signature in black ink: J R Halligan. .20) Handwritten inside in blue ink: Lt Col Allan. Good wishes from your many friends here. Signed by Major General Windeyer. .21) Inside LHS handwritten in blue ink: Lt Col Allan & an indecipherable signature. .22) Inside RHS handwritten: To Major (Blue) Allan OBE MC from Lt Col? .23) On front handwritten in blue ink: H T Allan?. Inside in black ink & pencil are 19 signatures. .24) On front: 3 signatures in black ink & pencil. On back: 36 signatures in black & blue ink & pencil. .25) On back handwritten in black ink: Colonel H T Allan OBE MC, with 3 ink lines below name. .26) Handwritten in blue/black ink: Signature. Handwritten in blue pencil top R corner: A32/3477. Handwritten in black ink bottom L corner: Cond (?) 15/9A. Handwritten in black ink: Signature. .27) Stamped top R corner: 2/17 Bn Received 9.2.1944. Signature in black ink: H T Allan. Signature in black ink: ? Lt Col 2/17 Aust Inf Bn 10.2.1944 Page bottom in pencil: Blue will keep 1 1/4 for you? .30) Handwritten: Details of eligible medals. Handwritten signature: J C K Miller Capt 7.3.50. Handwritten bottom L corner: Col H T Allan Bottom R corner: OBE, MC, 1914-19, Victory, ED, MID 1914-18, MID 1939-45 On back: Steak & Kidney Morris ) Clark ) Vowood ) 10/- 70215 Maughan ) Allan ) .31) Top of page: Imprinted Coat of Arms Top LHS in black ink: TOP SECRET AND PERSONAL Handwritten signature: Stanley Sauige .32) Embossed top L corner: Seal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Handwritten: Mary R. .32) Signed: Queen Mary, mother of George VI. .33) Handwritten signature. .34) Handwritten in blue ink: HERBERT TRANGMAR ALLAN 6 MAY 46 Handwritten signature. .35) Handwritten signature in blue ink: Joseph Francis, Minister for the Army. .37) Handwritten signature. .38) & .39) Handwritten signature: J W Knight. .41), .43) & .45) Handwritten signature in blue ink. .46) & .47) Handwritten signature in black ink: Henry G Eckhoff. .48) Handwritten signature in blue ink: With best wishes Yours sincerely T J Daly. .49) Handwritten signature in black ink: Yours sincerely H Wells. .57) Handwritten in black ink: Colonel & Mrs H T Allan.certificates, records, awards, administrative, compendium

(.1) The men are from C Coy 1 RAR firing SLR rifles at the Battalions jungle training area KOTA TINGI in south Malaya. (.2) Pte John GILES at LASAH north Malaya, operational camp for A Coy 1 RAR. (.3) Pte Victor ALLEN A Coy 1 RAR in north Malaya base camp with “FEARLESS” a 3 month old mascot who wandered into the camp and stayed. While ever music was on FEARLESS would listen. (.4) The soldier in forefront is Max (Dad) KELLY. Served 2nd AIF, BCOF, Korea, Malaya and Vietnam. The photos relate to the collection of William Francis (Dinky DEAN BEM, VX93960 2nd AIF, 3742 1 RAR 1943 - 1975. Refer Cat No 124.2 for his service details. All photos are B & W. (.1) Five men on a range shot, four men shooting, a typed sheet attached with details. (2) A soldier kneeling aiming an SLR, a typed sheet attached with details. (.3) Soldier and small dog listening to a radio, atypical sheet attached with details. (.4) Two soldiers patrolling with rifles. (.5) Soldier splashing water over himself. (.6) Soldiers on parade right dressing. (.7) Two soldiers patrolling walking on a log. (.8) Two soldiers reading a book on Malaya. (.9) Two soldiers adjusting slings on their SLR’s. (.10) Two Officers seated having a cup of tea. (.11) Soldier kneeling aiming a shotgun. (.12) Soldier drinking from a water bottle. (.13) Soldier kneeling with a small black dog. (.14) Soldier holding an SLR rifle. (.15) Two soldiers leaning out of an aircraft. (.16) Soldier playing a guitar. (.17) Two soldiers kneeling holding a tin of food. All photos are stamped on the rear in purple. “Public Relations Australian Army Force, GHQ FARELF” (then either) “ELL & a number” or GUN & a Number MC”photography, military, malaya

This is an Australian reprint of a British War Office Publication 21.5.1940. Item relates to Desmond Francis BOYLAN, enlisted initially as No S5441 then transferred to the 2nd AIF No SX20194 on 18.7.1942 age 27 years. He was discharged from the Army on 3.9.1946 with the rank of L/Sgt in 2/4th Armoured Regt.Brown soft cover, black printing. 56 pages, plus numerous circuits, black & white photos & a large quantity of glued in amendments.Handwritten top right of front cover: "High School Senior Cadet Detachment" Inside front cover: "SX 20194 CPL D T Boylan, HQ Sqn 9 Aust Motor Regt"books reference / military, signal, training

.All the letters are to Thomas Henry Whyte's wife Adelaide. Thomas Henry Whyte No 1936 enlisted in the 2nd reinforcements 38th Batt AIF on 18.4.1916 age 32 years 1 month. Embark for England 16.8.1916, transferred to 8th Training Batt England 14.10.1916, classified PB 8.8.1917, due to a pre existing condition “Alternating Strabismus” of the right eye he was classed not medically fit for general service but fit for home duties and was discharged from the AIF on 9.11.1918..1) Silk postcard with "From your loving husband" letter on the back in ink. .2) Silk postcard with "I'm thinking of you" letter on back in ink. .3) Silk postcard with "Rising Sun and Flags" letter on the back in ink. .4) Silk postcard with "Good luck" letter on the back in ink. .5) Silk postcard with "All kind thoughts" letter on the back in ink.postcards, silk

George Alfred Yung, known as Alf, pictured in the second row, 10th from the left, enlisted on 25/02/1916; embarked on 19/02/1917; was killed during the battle of Menin Gate at Yrpres, Belgium on 20/09/1917. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51447 The 7th Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the First World War. Like the 5th, 6th and 8th Battalions, it was recruited from Victoria and, together with these battalions, formed the 2nd Brigade. The battalion was raised by Lieutenant Colonel H. E. "Pompey" Elliott within a fortnight of the declaration of war in August 1914 and embarked just two months later. After a brief stop in Albany, Western Australia, the battalion proceeded to Egypt, arriving on 2 December. It later took part in the ANZAC landing on 25 April 1915, as part of the second wave. Ten days after the landing, the 2nd Brigade was transferred from ANZAC to Cape Helles to help in the attack on the village of Krithia. The attack captured little ground but cost the brigade almost a third of its strength. The Victorian battalions returned to ANZAC to help defend the beachhead, and in August the 2nd Brigade fought at the battle of Lone Pine. While holding positions captured by the 1st Brigade, four members of the 7th Battalion, Corporal A. S. Burton, Acting Corporal W. Dunstan, Lieutenant W. Symons and Captain F. H. Tubb, earned the Victoria Cross - Burton posthumously. The battalion served at ANZAC until the evacuation in December. After the withdrawal from Gallipoli in December 1915, the battalion returned to Egypt. In March 1916, it sailed for France and the Western Front and entered the front line trenches for the first time on 3 May. The battalion's first major action in France was at Pozieres in the Somme valley where it fought between 23-27 July and 15-21 August. After Pozieres the battalion manned trenches in the Ypres salient in Belgium, before returning to the Somme valley. It saw out the horrendous winter of 1916-1917 rotating between training, working parties and duty in the trenches. In early 1917, the Germans withdrew to the Hindenburg Line and the 7th Battalion participated in the brief advance that followed and then came to a grinding halt before Bullecourt. The battalion was withdrawn from the front line for training on 9 May 1917 and did not return to action until the Ypres offensive of September and October. It fought major battles at Menin Road on 20 September and Broodseinde on 4 October, and then spent much of ensuing winter in the Ypres mud. In March and April 1918 the 7th helped stop the German spring offensive in northern France and later participated in the Allies' own great offensive of 1918, that began with the battle of Amiens on 8 August. The advance by British and empire troops on 8 August was the greatest success in a single day on the Western Front, one that German General Erich Ludendorff described as, "the black day of the German Army in this war". The battalion continued operations until late September 1918. At 11 am on 11 November 1918, the guns fell silent. The November armistice was followed by the peace treaty of Versailles signed on 28 June 1919. In November 1918 members of the AIF began to return to Australia for demobilisation and discharge. In March, the battalion was so reduced that it and the 6th Battalion were amalgamated to form a composite battalion. In turn, this battalion was merged with another, formed from the 5th and 8th Battalions, to form the 2nd Brigade Battalion. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51447army, soldier, alf yung, 7th australian infantry battalion