non-fictionStories of Women of the Atherton Tablelands, based on interviews, obituaries, or written by the women themselvespioneer women, atherton tablelands, queensland

Mary Everard met Lance Gibson met in South Australia when Lance and a mate rang the local hospital to see if there were any off duty nurses who would go to the pictures with them. After several other outings the pair both ended up travelling on the Queen Elizabeth I to Egypt, Mary as nurse in the Australian Army Nursing Service and Lance as a lieutenant in the 2/3rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion. After spending much of the three week journey together, they continued to spend what free time they had together. When Lance found out he was to ship out to Indonesia in January 1942 the couple came to an understanding that they would marry after war. Several weeks after Lance's departure, Mary's unit returned to Australia on the Strathallen, where they nursed in hospitals in Queensland. Lance became a POW of the Japanese, one of the lucky 72 out of 257 Australians in his group to survive the war. Mary and Lance were married in November 1946 and now have three children and eight grandchildren.A large newspaper clipping featuring a large title, five columns of text and two black and white photos. One photo is of the face of a nurse in uniform, while the other photo is of a man in uniform.wwii, ww2, world war two, prisoner of war, mary gibson, gaza, middle east, sydney, concorde army hospital, brisbane, hughenden, darwin, atherton tablelands, java, dutch, cycle camp, singapore, japan, formosa, taiwan, nagasaki, american, korean, manchuria, ransom camp, govenor of singapore, russian, manila, red cross, vatican, nanneella

Table Tops was a newspaper published for Australian Troops during WW2 in the Atherton Tablelands. Part of the collection of William (Bill) Thomason. Part of 4136P.Four pages of a newspaper to Australian Troops. Cream paper with black writing and black and white photos. Dated Monday 10th September and contents mainly centred on the surrender of the Japanese. Name of the Newspaper at the top was "Table Tops" with the Rising Sun symbol.Dated 10th Sep 1945.collection of william (bill) thomason, table tops, newspaper, japanese surrender

The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded and men transferred to a variety of other units. A small number were trained in the use of Flame thrower equipment in preparation for service in the landings at Balikpapan and Tarakan .Black and white photograph of 12 soldiers dressed in khaki drill uniforms and wearing slouch hats and peak caps posed with two flame thrower devices. LHQ Flame Warfare Training Team. Taken at Ravenshoe Atherton Tablelands QLD. Includes Sgt George Wiltshire and seven sgts all with service through 8th Light Horse Regiment, 8 Recce Bn, and finally 8 Cav Regt A.I.F.military, 8 light horse, flame thrower, flame warfare, wwii, world war two

Table Tops was a free daily newspaper produced for Australian Army personnel, published in the Atherton Tableland Training Area in Queensland, Australia, with regional editions produced abroad for serving personnel. Table Tops was produced by the staff of the AIF News, who were part of the First Australian Army Printing and Press Unit.The newspaper was produced seven days a week: weekday and Saturday editions were four pages long while Sunday editions were eight pages. The pages were demy quarto size. Occasional special editions were produced in addition to the daily editions. It contained news on the progress of the war, as well as home news such as current events in Australia and sport results.Two page cream coloured newspaper with rising sun badge top left corner of heading Table Tops - Free to the Troops Air Special No 501 Issued Daily by the Australian Military Forces Tues 3 Oct., 1944table tops, ww2

Table Tops was a free daily newspaper produced for Australian Army personnel, published in the Atherton Tableland Training Area in Queensland, Australia, with regional editions produced abroad for serving personnel. Table Tops was produced by the staff of the AIF News, who were part of the First Australian Army Printing and Press Unit.The newspaper was produced seven days a week: weekday and Saturday editions were four pages long while Sunday editions were eight pages. The pages were demy quarto size. Occasional special editions were produced in addition to the daily editions. It contained news on the progress of the war, as well as home news such as current events in Australia and sport results.Four page cream coloured newspaper with rising sun badge top left corner of heading Table Tops - Free to the Troops Final Edition No 512 Issued Daily by the Australian Military Forces Sat., 14 Oct., 1944table tops, ww2

Table Tops was a free daily newspaper produced for Australian Army personnel, published in the Atherton Tableland Training Area in Queensland, Australia, with regional editions produced abroad for serving personnel. Table Tops was produced by the staff of the AIF News, who were part of the First Australian Army Printing and Press Unit.The newspaper was produced seven days a week: weekday and Saturday editions were four pages long while Sunday editions were eight pages. The pages were demy quarto size. Occasional special editions were produced in addition to the daily editions. It contained news on the progress of the war, as well as home news such as current events in Australia and sport results.Four page cream coloured newspaper with rising sun badge top left corner of heading Table Tops - Free to the Troops No 92 Issued Daily by the Australian Military Forces Sun., 22 Aug.,1943table tops, ww2

The Dusky Woodswallow is often found in flocks which can be located in two separate populations. The Eastern population if located in Atherton Tableland in Queensland south to Tasmania and west to Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The other population is found in south-west Western Australia. They reside in open forests and woodlands. This species is surprisingly aggressive and may fight with other Woodswallows for territory and nest sights. They will even chase raptors away from their homes. This species flies in flocks of around 10 to 30 birds which cluster together. In terms of diet, these birds eat insects and nectar from flowers. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Dusky Woodswallow has largely deep brown colouring with some areas of grey on the head, neck and chest. There is a deeper brown colouring between the wings on the back of the specimen and the wings are black. This bird has a small curved bill which is grey and white. The legs are dark grey and the bird has long talons with an extra long toe in the centre. The eyes are made of brown glass with a back pupil. The bird is styalised standing on a wooden mount and has a paper identification tag attached to its right leg.[torn] / 9 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, swallow, woodswallow, dusky woodswallow

War memorial for units that served in World War II. It is located in the Rocky Creek Memorial Park in Tolga (Far North Queensland). 'Memorial information: Dedicated 15th August 1995. The Memorial Park is a unique design of individual plaques, set amongst the trees and located along the lines of the original locations of units stations at the Rocky Creek Medical and other facilities during the Second World War. Built on the old camp site of the Convalescent Depot of the 2/2nd Australian General Hospital, where thousands received treatment in 1942-1945. Atherton Shire Council supplies plaques and a local businessman supplies boulders. In 1997 there were 3 plaques and by August 2000 there were 36. The numbers will have increased since these figures. The park has been chosen as the appropriate location due to the cultural, spiritual, historical and sentimental value to the local community. Several Army Divisions camped on the Atherton Tablelands during 1942-45. Approximately 60,000 Australian soldiers were treated for war related conditions at these hospitals, by a caring and efficient staff of approximately 2,000. Many were rehabilitated at the adjoining 2/1 Convalescence Depot. The complex was recognised as the largest military hospital in the Southern Hemisphere.' [Taken from the ANZAC Square website]Coloured photograph of a large memorial plaque set on stone for units that served in World War II, trees behind in the distance. A floral wreath has been placed at its base.'Rocky Creek Memorial / Park - Tolga FNQ' [Handwritten in pencil on the back of the photograph]rocky creek memorial park, war memorials, world war 1939-1945, ww2, wwii

The Photo Album was created by Hans Beck, who interned with the donor's father (Wilhelm Eckels). The Photo Album depicts wool buying and sheep station related life between 1927-1939. Each photograph has been individually labelled.Straw coloured booklet with gold cursive writing on front cover spelling 'Photo Album'. Inside are 18 pages containing 63 photographs, each individually captioned. Internal pages show signs of age with discolouration, particularly in areas of previous adhesive application.Lettering, Front: Historic Interest Before WME arrived - 1930-1934 Wool & Sheep Photo Album Lettering, Internal by Page: Page 1 - Bottom Left Conner: Table from right:/ O. Hilbert sen. / WW. Richter, W. Ehrig/ Sampler: C. McCarthy/ at desk: E.S. Bottom Right Corner: 1927/ Wool Sample Room/ O. Hilbert/ Terranora Buildings/ Reiby Lane Page 2 - Bottom Middle: 1931/ Opening Sale/ Sydney Page 3 - Bottom Middle: 1934/ Opening Sale/ Sydney Page 4 - Bottom Middle: 1933/ Wool Auctions/ Brisbane Page 5 - Top Left Corner: 1930 Escapade/ Sydney to CAIRNS/ via Bourke, Central/ Queensland, Hinter-/ land & Atherton/ Table Lands Top Right Corner: Dubbo: Main Street/ (1st Night)/ 31.7.1930 Middle Right: 1st Night-"OUT"/ Stranded 11 miles/ from Bourke. (Red/ Dust in Carburettor Bottom Right Corner: Our "ERSKINE'/ hits Culvert &/ breaks both King-/pins. 1 1/2 miles from/ CUNNAMULLA SW-Q. Page 6 - Top Right Corner: "Rosevale Station"/ via Cunnamulla SWQ/ "Gidgi" country/ Gidgi Creak &/ Warrigo R. Middle Left: STAN HILL Page 7 - Middle Top: Blackhall/ Tattersall's Hotel/ Yarning at Cross-/roads. Middle Left: FO Wool Sales/ 22 Horse team Middle Right: Roadsign to:/ ISIS DOWNS &/ Homestead (Fart Page 8 - Middle Top: Muster: 3000 sheep/ Semi-circular/ Shearing shed/ ISIS DOWNS Page 9 - Middle Top: Shearer/ Water Tower/ Counting out/ pens Middle Bottom: Shearers Cook/ Hot Water & Soup/ Cake for Shearing/ Shed Charity Ball Page 10 - Middle Left: Isis Downs Home-/ stead with fire// flood Lookout./ Artesian Borewell Bottom Right: Manager: Moore/ & Alfred Loh-/ mann with kills/ Ducks & Emus Page 11 - Top Middle: PORTLAND DOWNS/ Muster: 10,000/ Sheep Bottom Left: Manager:/ Mr. Luck/ with A.L./Moore Page 12 - Middle Top: ROOKWOOD Station/ near/ HUGHENDEN/ Central NWQ Page 13 - Top Middle: 'HINTERLAND"/ Cattle country/ Spear Grass/ Tracks Bottom Middle: Crossings:/ Creeks: Quick/ Sand/ Rivers: rocky Page 14 - Middle Right: Lyndhurst stat/tion/ Head Stockman Middle Left: -Valley of la-/goons/ Station Bottom Right Corner: Master Atkinson/ saves/ Petrol shortage Page 15 - Top Middle: ATHERTON TABLELANDS/ LAKE BERRINE Middle Centre: Tropical Rainforest/ near/ Lake Berrine Page 16 - Top Middle: ATHERTON TABLELANDS/ Timber Country Bottom Middle Edge: CAIRNS/ Imperial Hotel Page 17 - Hans Beck with/ Betty Hilbert/ Lapstone Hill 1931 wool - transportation, wool sales, wool growing, wool growing agriculture farming, wool industry, wool sales - sydney, wool sales - brisbane, dubbo, 1930, bourke, cunnamulla, isis downs, shearing, shearing - lifestyle, portland downs, muster, hughenden, hinterland, lake berrine, cairns

The history of the No. 2 Independent Commando Company and 2/2 Commando Squadron during World War II – scarce as a 1st edition dated 1986. Having completed its training at Foster, on Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, the 2nd Independent Company was raised and travelled north to Katherine, in the Northern Territory. However, following Japan’s entry into the war, as with the other independent companies that were sent to the islands off Australia, the 2nd was sent to Timor, where it joined the 2/40th Battalion and the rest of Sparrow Force. Sparrow Force divided itself between west Timor, part of the Netherlands East Indies, and east Timor, which belonged to Portugal. The 2/40th Battalion defended the capital of west Timor, Koepang, and the airfield at Penfui. Most of the independent company moved to the airfield at Dili, in east Timor, and the nearby mountains. Portugal was opposed to the stationing of a Dutch or Australian garrison in case this provoked the Japanese, but despite this opposition, on 17 December 1941, elements of the 2nd Independent Company and Dutch troops landed near Dili. On 20 February 1942 the Japanese invaded the island, attacking east and west Timor simultaneously. The 2/40th Battalion held out for three days, but were overrun and were killed or captured. Similarly, the 2nd could not hold the airfield and were also driven back. But they were not captured and instead retreated to the mountains where they conducted a very successful and pursued a guerrilla war against the Japanese which lasted for over a year. Following the capture of Timor, the 2nd occupation the company was listed as “missing”, the company’s signallers were able to build a wireless transmitter, nicknamed ‘Winnie the War Winner’, and on 18/19 April were able to contact Darwin. At the end of May RAN vessels began landing supplies for the Australians on the south coast of east Timor. These supply runs were very dangerous but they allowed the Australians on Timor to continue fighting. In September the guerillas were reinforced with the 2/4th Independent Company. However, this could not go on indefinitely. In August the Japanese lunched a major offensive against the guerrillas and Japanese reprisals against the civilian population of east Timor reduced their support for the Australians. The 2nd (now named the 2/2nd Independent Company) and 2/4th were withdrawn in December and January 1943 respectively. Although the 2/2nd Independent Company is best known for its time on Timor, it also saw extensive service in New Guinea and New Britain. The independent company reformed at the army’s training centre at Canungra, Queensland, where it was reinforced and reequipped. The company then moved to the Atherton Tableland, where it briefly became part of the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. Due to this reorganisation, in October, the 2/2nd Independent Company was renamed the 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. When this happened though, the 2/2nd was back in action. In June 1943 the 2/2nd sailed from Townsville for Port Moresby and was subsequently flown to Bena Bena, in the Bismark Range in New Guinea’s highlands. Here they supported the 2/7th Independent Company in patrolling the Ramu River area. In the second week of July the 2/2nd moved into position, with its headquarters at Bena Bena and with its platoons’ occupying neighbouring positions. By the end of the month their patrols were skirmishing with the Japanese. The 2/2nd remained in New Guinea until October 1944. After 90 days leave, the squadron reformed at Strathpine in Queensland before sailing to New Britain in April 1945. The 2/2nd landed at Jacquinot Bay on 17 April. The squadron then moved to Wide Bay, in order to support the 13th Brigade of the 5th Division, and was based at Lamarien. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or transferred to other units. For those who were left, they returned to Australia and in early 1946 the 2/2nd Commando Squadron was disbanded. Includes Nominal Roll Soft Cover without Dust Jacket – 270 pages