Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a Vietnamese 'cyclo taxi' weaves its way through the traffic in Saigon. The cyclo taxi was a very economical means of transport for the Vietnames middle class workers. More often than not cyclo drivers would refuse to carry allied servicemenphotograph, saigon, cyclo taxi, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnamese people, allied servicemen, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of a young fruit and nut seller winking to emulate the action of the camera capturing the photograph. The street children of the main cities and villages were often cheeky and tried to make money from allied servicemen.photograph, vietnamese children, gibbons collection catalogue, vietnam war, denis gibbons, street children

Copy of Looking Back by Jeffrey William Cruz. At the top reads Were the Allies and Australia right to intervene in Vietnam from 1961 to 1973?. This has been dedicated to the Australian and Allied servicemen and servicewomen who paid the supreme sacrifice in Vietnam, the people who lost family friends, love ones, the men who were wounded both physically and psychologically, your sacrifice and suffering was not in vain. The document is held together with a metal slide down the left hand side.vietnam war, 1961 - 1975 -- veterans -- australia, vietnam war, 1961 - 1975, personal narratives - australian, seaman jeffrey william cruz, r100258, able seaman quartermaster gunner, hmas stuart

Rectangular brass / tin box issued to allied servicemen Christmas 1914, organised by Princess Mary (daughter of King George V). the tin was presented to all the troops at War for Christmas containing a photo of King George and Queen Mary, a Christmas card tobacco or chocolate. Initially to seamen at sea and soldiers at the front but widened as many thought they missed out. Funding the Christmas boxes were organised by public donation.Tin lid impressed with a female head in profile encircled with a wreath, and two "M". The tin is dated Christmas 1914. Around the edges the names of the allied countries are noted including France, Russia and Japanchristmas box, christmas 1914

The Victory medal was awarded to all Allied servicemen and women who served in World War One. Australians were issued with the medal made for British service personnel. The medal described above was awarded to Private Thomas Wickham. He was born in Port Fairy in 1886 and died in Warrnambool in 1955. Private Wickham enlisted in February 1916 and his next of kin was his wife Elizabeth, living at that time in Terang. Thomas Wickham was a member of the 58th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement. He served overseas and returned to Australia in 1919 and was discharged as medically unfit because of rheumatism. This is a round bronze medal with the image of a winged female figure of Victory on the obverse side and engraved lettering surrounded by laurel leaves on the reverse side. There is lettering around the edge of the medal. The medal has a metal ring to which is attached a rainbow-coloured ribbonThe Great War For Civilisation 1914-1919 1773 Pte. T. Wickham 58 Bn. A.I.F. world war one, thomas wickham, history of warrnambool

This is a book of 42 pages with a green cover with a sepia-coloured photograph and printing on the front cover and an advertisement on the back cover. The pages contain sketches in sepia and blue tones. The pages have been bound with staples but the staples are missing.fictionWorld War One Comic Sketchesworld war one, captain bruce bairnsfather, fragments from france

The contents of this display case are known as Princess Mary’s Christmas Fund 1914. In October 1914 Princess Mary, the 17 year-old daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, launched an appeal to raise funds to produce a Christmas present for every person serving in the British and Allied Forces in World War One. The Christmas box was a silver one for officers and a brass one for other ranks. The box usually contained a packet of cigarettes and tobacco, a Christmas card and a photograph of Princess Mary but some boxes contained confectionery, notebooks, pencils etc. By Christmas 1914 200,000 boxes had been distributed but it took until 1920 to dispose of the 2,500,000 boxes that were produced. Many of the boxes given to Australian servicemen have survived but few contain any or all of the contents. It is not known to whom this box was sent. This box and its contents are of great interest as an important memento of Australian participation in World War One. This is a rectangular brass tin and its contents – two yellow cardboard boxes which originally held cigarettes and tobacco, a Christmas card and a photograph of Princess Mary. The five items are displayed within a rectangular wooden box with a removable glass top. The brass tin is embossed with an image in the centre of Princess Mary surrounded by a laurel wreath. The embossing includes the letter ‘M’ (twice) and the names of some of the allies of Britain in World War One. Christmas Card: ‘With Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Victorious New Year from The Princess Mary and Friends at Home’ Cigarettes and Tobacco Boxes: ‘Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary’s Christmas Fund 1914’. warrnambool and world war one, princess mary’s christmas fund 1914

Servicemen allocated beer ticket for ration of beer and to return empty bottles. Issued by Dai Nipon Brewery. Item in the collection of Richard William McGILVERY, RAAF. Refer Cat No. 7287P for his service details, photos and awards.Small ticket on white paper with black writing. Instructions on one side. Blank on the other side and punch holes in shape of a letter 'U' and letter 'T' through ticket. Some writing is in Japanese and brewery identified.Titled "Beer for use of Allied Forces only". beer ration, bcof

Australian Chinese Servicemen from WW2 photographs - Exhibition held at the Bendigo & District RSL, post 2010.1.2.3. Photographs on photographic paper, enlarged black and white portraits. Mount - red and blue colour cardboard, double mount with top area containing the photograph, lower area printed information. 1. Three servicemen in informal group. 2. Two servicewomen, one serviceman and a civilian - group portrait. 3. Five servicemen and one service woman in uniform - collection of small portraits.Printed information - black ink print. 1. LES KUM JEW (left)- in 1942, joined the Volunteer Defence Corps, then the RAAF, with JACK GOON (right). GUS HOMEMING (centre) enlisted in 1942 in the Royal Australian Artillery, and was posted to New Guinea. In 1944, he was seconded to the Allied translation and Interrogation Section to work in POW camps. To this end, and with other students including Jack Goon, he learned Japanese at Sydney University. He was then posted to Morotai. In 1946, he was sent to Japan with the Australian Intelligence Corps of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. From 1946-51, he was in charge of the Inland Sea Patrol. Promoted to Chief Administration Officer in charge of Tokushima Prefecture and its ten million people. He returned to Australia in 1952 and remained in Intelligence service until 1957. 2. EUNICE LEONG (top left) worked from 1940 as a wireless operator for the Army in Melbourne, Sydney and Alice Springs, and as a signals instructor at Bonegilla. Her sister, VALDA (top right) worked as a radar plotter with the WAAAF, and her brother MAX (bottom right) went with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces to Japan after the War. 3. PETER MOO (top right) served with the Australian Army in the Northern Territory, his brother FRANK MOO (top centre) served with the Australian Imperial Force in Rabaul and Bougainville, Frank's children CLARENCE MOO (top right) served with the Royal Australian Engineers and then transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force HARRY MOO (bottom left) served with the Royal Australian Air Force's 31 Beaufighter Squadron in Darwin and Morotai, MAVIS MOO (bottom centre) served with the Australian Army Medical Women's Service and ARTHUR MOO (bottom right) served with the Australian Army and later the Royal Australian Air Force. photographs, chinese/australians, ww2

The badge was issued by the Victorian branch (indicated by the 'V' on the reverse) of the Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women and is referred to as The Badge of Unity or Tri-Services badge, uniting the armed services of Australia; the Army (rising sun), the Navy (anchor) and the Air Force (pair of wings). The number '57' on the crown represents the year of paid membership; 1957. The badge belonged to Dr W R Angus, who served in the Australian Army as a military doctor during WWII. It was made in Melbourne by Stokes in 1957, around 100 years after the firm was established by Thomas Stokes in Mincing Lane, Melbourne. The firm was operating from Caledonian Lane/Post Office Place in the 1950s. The badge is one of a set of badges collected by Dr W R Angus from the organisations in which he was involved. They are now part of Flagstaff Hill’s comprehensive W.R. Angus Collection, donated by the family of Dr W R Angus, surgeon and oculist. Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women was formed in 1944 to "entourage fellowship and assist those who have served". The organisation is open to members from Australia, British Commonwealth and Allied ex-service personnel. The W.R. Angus Collection: - The W.R. Angus Collection includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. It includes historical medical and surgical equipment and instruments from the doctors Edward and Thomas Ryan of Nhill, Victoria. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1927 at Ballarat, the nearest big city to Nhill where he began as a Medical Assistant. He was also Acting House surgeon at the Nhill hospital where their two daughters were born. During World War II He served as a Military Doctor in the Australian Defence Force. Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool in 1939, where Dr Angus operated his own medical practice. He later added the responsibility of part-time Port Medical Officer and was the last person appointed to that position. Both Dr Angus and his wife were very involved in the local community, including the planning stages of the new Flagstaff Hill and the layout of the gardens there. Dr Angus passed away in March 1970.This Badge of Unity, or Tri-Service badge, is significant for connecting Doctor Angus with organisations that support men and women who performed military service for Australia. The badge was for membership with the organisation, which supports ex-servicemen and women of the three military forces; Army, Navy and Air Force. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The Collection includes historical medical objects that date back to the late 1800s.Badge; a gold-coloured metal and enamel badge. The blue boomerang-shaped band is below an arch of blue, below a crown with a number and coloured red, white and blue. There are symbols in the centre; a rising sun, above a pair of wings, with an anchor in the centre of both. There is red and blue scrollwork behind the symbols. Inscriptions are on the front and back of the badge. There are two loops and pins on the back of the badge. It is a membership badge of the Victorian branch of the Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women and was made by Stokes in 1957. The badge has a Serial Number. This badge is part of a set of badges collected by Dr Angus and is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.FRONT; “AUST. LEGION OF / EX-SERVICEMEN & WOMEN” On crown “57” REVERSE; “V” “13156" "STOKES” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, w.r. angus, badge, ladies’ badge, military service, stokes, melbourne, australian legion of ex-servicemen and women, membership badge, 1957 membership badge, ex=service personnel, heraldry, world war ii, second world war, tri-services symbol, badge of unity, rising sun, anchor, pair of wings

This Association was formed in December 1944 from a number of existing organisations. The membership is open to all ex service personnel, including British Commonwealth and Allied personnel, etcThis organisation was formed in 1944, the badges are originals.A diamond shaped badge, a crown at the top, rising sun, anchor, air force wings in the middle, blue inscribed enamel round the diamond, Aust Legion of ex Servicemen and Women.1st badge - has a 66 badge on the crown, one the reverse v3327, the 2nd badge has a Life Subscriber attachment - a red scroll, on the reverse Brim Melb number 8732556.december 1944, aust legion of ex servicemen and women

During World War II, the city of Modane in the southeast region of France was bombed on 13 or 17 September 1943 by Allied aircraft. The objective of the bombing was the station, an important centre of transit between France and Italy. The bombing caused 60 victims and 100 houses were destroyed. A second bombing took place on the night of 10–11 November 1943. Crew of "M" for Mother, a Lancaster aircraft belonging to No. 467 Squadron RAAF in Bomber Command.included: - 417035 Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt, later Flying Officer [FO]) John Warrington Scott of Ballarat, Victoria; 413558 Flt Sgt (later FO) George Edward Erickson of Sydney, NSW; 412890 Flt Sgt (later Flight Lieutenant [Flt Lt]) Albert Reginald Thomas Boys of Sydney, NSW; 414407 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) Bertram Raymond Jones of Wyandra, Queensland; 400444 Flt Sgt (later Flt Lt) John Hudson Wilkinson, (later Distinguished Flying Cross) of Rutherglen, Victoria (lost on operations over Europe on 30 August 1944); Sgt E L Tull, RAF. From collection of photographs and cuttings dedicated to the memory of WILKINSON JOHN HUDSON : Service Number - 400444 : Date of birth - 18 Feb 1914 : Place of birth - RUTHERGLEN VIC Wilkinson was awarded the distinguished flying cross in March 1944. The significance of this item records the names of the Lancaster aircraft flight crew which took part in the second allied bombing of Modane a small city in the south eastern region of France which was an important centre of transit between France and Italy during the second world war. The bombing took place on the 10-11 November 1943 killing five civilians.oval shaped copy of black and white photograph of a Lancaster plane above scroll containing names of servicemen.Modane 10/11.11.1943 Signatures of Sergeant Holt, Sergeant Tull and Flight Sergeant Boysdistinguished flying cross, world war two, air force, modane, france, pilot officer john hudson wilkinson

There were 7 camps in the area during World War II which held about 4,000-8,000 people at any one time. 3 camps housed Prisoners Of War who were enemy servicemen captured in various theatres of war around the world and transported to Australia for the duration of the war. The remaining 4 camps held Internees who were civilians living in Australia or other Allied territories and countries at the outbreak of war and were deemed to be a security risk because of their nationality. The camps were situated in the Goulburn Valley as food was plentiful here and there was a good supply of water from the Waranga Basin.A coloured sketch showing all the compounds at Tatura War and Internment Camp.internment, ww2, world war two, tatura, goulburn valley, war camps, prisoner of war, prisoner of war camps

Unheraled Victory reveals how American, Australian, New Zealand and Allied troops defeated the Viet Cong at the very time the media decided the war was lost. vietnam history - 1945 - 1975, vietnam war - 1961-1975 - campaigns, vietnam war - 1962-1975 - mass media and the conflict, american servicemen, australian troops, new zealand troops, allied troops

Unheraled Victory reveals how American, Australian, New Zealand and Allied troops defeated the Viet Cong at the very time the media decided the war was lost.vietnam history - 1945 - 1975, vietnam war - 1961-1975 - campaigns, vietnam war - 1962-1975 - mass media and the conflict, american servicemen, australian troops, new zealand troops, allied troops

This item was donated by Trooper Julian Peter McNamara (3794332) who was a National Servicemen with the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. He served in Vietnam with B Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment from September 1969 to December 1969 and A Squadron, 1st Armoured Regiment from December 1969 to June 1970.Deep yellow in colour with black print. Six flags (USA, Australia, Thailand, Korea, New Zealand and Philippines) on either side of South Vietnamese flag. All other pages are B&W except the last page which has a river scene and pink flower.GIAY THONG-HANH "Safe conduct pass to be honored by all Vietnamese Government Agencies and Allied Forces" / Back signed by Nguyen Van Thienpermissive orders, pass, safe conduct, julian peter mcnamara, mcnamara, australian army, 3794332, trooper, royal australian armoured corps, national service, b squadron, a squadron, 1st armoured regiment

Legion of ex Servicemen and Women - Wangaratta Branch Honour Board containing names of Office Bearers from 1985 to 2002.The Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women (Vic) Ltd (The Legion) is an ex-service based not for profit association. Formed in December 1944 from a number of existing organisations, membership of the legion is open to all ex-service personnel, including British Commonwealth and Allied personnel, and former members of the peace-time Australian regular and reserve forces, their families, relatives and other persons who abide by and are accepted in accordance with the Constitution.Solid piece of wood with gold writing, has five columns listing the year President, Vice-President Secretary, Treasurer, dating from 1985 to 2002.Legion of ex-servicemen & women, Wangaratta Branch, 1985 - 2002. Signware 5721 2430. wangaratta, legion, ex-servicemen & women

Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women Life Member Badge awarded to Private Mervyn HARRIS. The Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women is an ex-service association. Formed in December 1944 from a number of existing organisations, membership of the legion is open to all ex-service personnel, including British Commonwealth and Allied personnel, and former members of the peacetime Australian regular and reserve forces. The legion has branches in each state, and sub-branches in major cities and towns, with its national headquarters located in Melbourne, Victoria.Gold coloured metal and blue badge with crown on top Australian Legion of Ex-Service Men and Women Life Memberaustralian legion of ex-servicemen and women, private mervyn harris, life membership badge

95-page booklet distributed by the R.A.A.F. in Australia to returned servicemen at the end of the Second World War. The booklet contains text, illustrations and photographs. It covers topics such as: sport, politics, total war, allied troops came, big news stories, seasons and crops, landmarks changed, notable deaths, wartime slang, how money was raised, an outline history of the war etc..australia - second world war 1939-1945, australia -- history -- 1939-1945, australia -- politics and government -- 1939-1945.

A souvenir of Egypt brought back by an unknown person at the end of World War 1. It contains a central image of the Sphinx, the Great Pyramids and man seated on camel. There are flags and images of military leaders. The date is unknown but assumed to be from the first World War period. Flags around the central image are from countries allied in World War One, clockwise from bottom left: flag of Belgium ; the Sultanate of Egypt (red flag used 1914-1918) ; French flag ; a form of the UK flag with King George V ; Russian flag and image of Tsar Nicholas II in top right ; Italian flag ; and the Serbian flag in bottom right. The connection with Legacy is not known. The founders of Legacy were all returned servicemen who returned from overseas service in World War One so would be familiar with similar sentimental souvenirs that were purchased in Egypt and sent home to loved ones.A record of a type of souvenir from Egypt at the end of World War 1. Founding Legatees would have been familiar with Egyptian souvenirs from World War 1.Square printed cloth (possibly silk) with lace outer edge, possibly added later. Printed section contains central image of Egyptian Sphinx, pyramids and man seated on camel (facing left). Surrounding main picture is a series of portraits of leaders of countries with national flag.Souvenir of Egyptsouvenir, world war one, egypt

A souvenir from Egypt. It contains a central image of the Sphinx, the Great Pyramids and man seated on camel. There are flags and images of military leaders. The date is unknown but assumed to be from the first World War period. Flags around the central image are from countries allied in World War One, clockwise from bottom left: Sultanate of Egypt (red flag used 1914-1918) ; flag of Belgium ; Russian flag and image of Tsar Nicholas II in top left ; a form of the UK flag with King George V ; French flag ; Italian flag ; and the Serbian flag in bottom right. The connection with Legacy is not known. The founders of Legacy were all returned servicemen who returned from overseas service in World War One so would be familiar with similar sentimental souvenirs that were purchased in Egypt and sent home to loved ones.A record of a type of souvenir from Egypt at the end of World War I. Founding Legatees would have been familiar with Egyptian souvenirs from World War 1.Square printed cloth (possibly silk) with gold lace outer edge, machine stitched possibly at a later date. Printed section contains central image of Egyptian Sphinx, pyramids and man seated on camel (facing right) Surrounding main picture is a series of portraits of leaders of various countries with respective national flags either side.Souvenir of Egyptsouvenir, world war one

This uniform belonged to Marion Elaine Caffrey, nee Bullock (1920-1993). Marion was born and lived in Begonia Road, Gardenvale and attended Star of the Sea College with her younger twin sisters, Hilary and Margaret Bullock. Their family had been living in the district since 1892 when their grandfather, James Stewart, settled first at Brighton Beach before building a new home in Gardenia Road, Gardenvale in 1910. On leaving school, Marion took a job with the T&G Insurance Company in Collins Street. However, as the threat of invasion by Japan loomed closer following the bombing of Pearl Harbour and the fall of Singapore, in 1943 she volunteered to join Australia's war effort as part of the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS). She initially trained as a coder at HMAS Cerberus, followed by a posting to HMAS Magnetic in Townsville. By the time Marion arrived in Townsville in 1944 it was very much a garrison town, inhabited largely by Australian and American servicemen. Whereas in Melbourne the war in the Pacific may have felt somewhat distant, in Townsville it was very immediate. Though the town was never subjected to the heavy bombardments of Darwin, a series of small air strikes in July 1942 had made the fear of air raids quite real. The naval base HMAS Magnetic was responsible for communications, Port Examination Services and servicing of Allied warships. Marion worked as a coder, encoding outgoing transmissions and decoding incoming ones either manually or using a Typex cipher machine. In 1945, she completed additional training to attain the rank of Leading Coder. Her keenness for the work is evident in a note on her service record: although no WRANS women were ever sent to active warzones, Marion volunteered for overseas service. Marion later recalled her time with the WRANS as one of the happiest and most personally fulfilling times of her life. Like many Australian women, she embraced the opportunity to serve her country and take on roles traditionally reserved for men. She completed her three years' service at HMAS Harman in Canberra where she was de-mobbed in 1946. Afterwards, she secured a job with Metro Goldwyn Mayer, where she worked until her marriage to Hugh Caffrey in 1947.Second World War WRANS uniform consisting of a dark navy blue serge blazer (.1), skirt (.2) and hat (.3). The blazer features six buttons. The left arm features a black patch embroidered with a red anchor wrapped in a length of rope (a fouled anchor) with a single red chevron beneath, denoting the rank of Leading Wran (equivalent to Leading Seaman). The right arm features a black patch embroidered with red crossed flags over the letter 'C'. The pencil skirt is lined and fastens at the side with a button and snap fastenings. The navy felt hat features a round brim and a black ribbon band machine embroidered in gold with the words "H.M.A.S. HARMAN".Maker's label in collar of blazer reads "N491 / 1942 / SIZE [indistinct] / MADE IN AUSTRALIA" The label features a pen inscription, "BULLOCK". Size label in back of skirt: "2". Label inside the hat: "N18 / 1944 Size 20½ / MADE IN AUSTRALIA"1940s, marion elaine bullock, marion elaine caffrey, second world war, military uniform, wrans, women's royal australian naval service

The Legion supports and encourages fellowship among ex-service personnel from Australia, the British Commonwealth and Allied Forces. A central tri-services emblem of a "rising sun", a "pair of wings" and an "anchor" representing Army Airforce and Navy.Small brass badge with blue and red enamelling. a crown on top with 46 inscribed. Images of a cross, a pair of wings, an anchor and rising sun. The word STOKES (Manufacturer) and V 10511 (Member identifier) on back.10511 STOKES

This photograph shows Gladys Marriott, aged 15, in the potato fields of her father's property in Moorabbin. Her cousin Graeme (centre) and younger brother Alfred (right) are with her. Moorabbin is a suburb in the City of Kingston that was originally established as a rural market gardening communityThe Marriott property in Moorabbin was adjacent to a secret wartime wireless receiving station established in March 1942 in Chesterville Road, Moorabbin. The station was established on requisitioned market garden properties, and soon housed WRAN (Women's Royal Australian Navy) personnel and up to 35 US Navy servicemen. The Navy personnel intercepted Japanese coded communications and then despatched these by motorbike messenger to Queens Road, St Kilda where the Directorate of Naval Communications and the code-breaking unit called FRUMEL (Fleet Radio Unit - Melbourne) were housed. The information intercepted by the wireless receiving station helped shape the Allied response to Japan's advances in the Pacific. Declassified defence records show that this unprepossessing station handled some of World War II's most sensitive secrets, however the local community were unaware of its significance. Gladys Marriott, working on her father's property, would regularly take the family's cows to graze in the fields adjoining the station with no concept of what the Navy personnel were doing. Black and white photograph of a young woman and two small boys standing around a wooden crate filled with potatoes. They each have potatoes in their hands. They are standing in a field. Handwritten in red ink: A 601 / 72% Handwritten in black ink: CHAP 6. Handwritten in black ink: GLADYS STOTT (MARIOTT) / DURING WAR YEARS / With Spybase Storymarket garden, children, farming, local production, world war ii, wireless receiving station, moorabbin

This image shows motorbike despatch riders who were tasked with transporting intercepted Japanese communications from the wartime wireless receiving station established in Chesterville Road, Moorabbin to Queens Road, St Kilda where the Directorate of Naval Communications and the code-breaking unit called FRUMEL (Fleet Radio Unit - Melbourne) were housed. The despatch riders would travel every two hours, all day and night. The wireless receiving station was established in Moorabbin because it was considered an area free of significant electrical interference and was not too far afield from the Melbourne headquarters in Queens Road. Moorabbin was originally established as a rural market gardening community.A secret wartime wireless receiving station was established in March 1942 in Chesterville Road, Moorabbin. The station was established on requisitioned market garden properties, and soon housed WRAN (Women's Royal Australian Navy) personnel and up to 35 US Navy servicemen. The Navy personnel intercepted Japanese coded communications and then despatched these by motorbike riders to Queens Road, St Kilda where the Directorate of Naval Communications and the code-breaking unit called FRUMEL (Fleet Radio Unit - Melbourne) were housed. The information intercepted by the wireless receiving station helped shape the Allied response to Japan's advances in the Pacific. Declassified defence records show that this unprepossessing station handled some of World War II's most sensitive secrets, and the despatch riders were a familiar sight in the Moorabbin area, though few were aware of their purpose. Black and white image of three men in uniform sitting astride three motorcycles in front of cars and buildings. The rider on the right is Jack Barker a local resident. Handwritten in red ink: A 602 / 90% Handwritten in blue ink: SW / 950301111 Handwritten in grey pencil: A 34 CHAP 6 / Spy basemoorabbin, despatch riders, wireless receiving station, world war ii, frumel (fleet radio unit - melbourne)

Ill, p.183.non-fictionA history of OFLAG IVc - a special prison for recalcitrant allied servicemen.world war 1939-1945 - prisoners of war, world war 1939 1945 - escapes