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.

ill, plates, p.64.non-fictionA portrayal of life in the Home Front during World War 11.australia - social life and customs, australia - history 1939-1945

Index, ill, maps, p.376.non-fictionSigi Siegreich and his family were expelled from their home when the Germans invaded Poland in 1939. By the end of 1942, his parents and 167 members of his extended family had been exterminated in the death camps of Treblinka, Belzec and Auschwitz. Fifteen-year-old Sigi was first enslaved in the labour camp at Skarzysko-Kamienna and later at Czestochowa, where he met Hanka, a young girl and fellow prisoner who would eventually save his life. After the war ended, Sigi and Hanka married and began to rebuild their lives. Their daughter Evelyne was the first Jewish child born to Holocaust survivors in Katowice, Sigi's home town. Thanks to a chance meeting with a childhood friend in Munich, Sigi and his family eventually ended up in Melbourne, Australia, where he established a successful import business.holocaust survivors - australia - history, holocaust - poland - 1939-1945

The Australian Comforts Fund was formed during the first World War and was an amalgamation of various organisations which were sending items of comfort such as toiletries, clothing and food to Australian troops who were fighting overseas. It ceased its work and was dissolved in 1920 at the ceasation of the war but was started again to continue the same work in 1939.In Australia it rivalled the work of the red Cross and many of the volunteers involved were women. As well as making and providing items themselves there was major fundraising to purchase further items. Over the course of the war they provided over 1.5 million hampers. This certificate was presented to Mrs Steward for valuable services rendered to the Australian Comforts Fund during World War 1939-1945. The Australian Comforts fund was wound up in June 1946.This certificate recognises the work of one of our residents to a fund which was Australia wide and would have been one of numerous certificates presented around the country. The Australian Comforts fund was an organisation with which numerous people would have been affiliated and which also assisted many soldiers over the years. Cream certificate with black text, highlighted with red. The name Mrs Steward has been written in in blue ink. In comes enclosed in a dark grey soft card folder.Mrs Steward. Signed Valerie Heinze, Lady mayoress of Melbourne. Thomas S Neu*tefold, Hermen W *ohn, On front of grey folder "Mrs Steward Warrnambool.warrnambool, warrnambool history, australian comforts fund, mrs steward warrnambool

An Oral History Project - An Australia Remembers New Work Project funded by the Department of Employment, Education and Training. Sponsored by Northern Metropolitan College of TAFE. The Australia Remembers 1945-1995 campaign was a pageant of events commemorating the end of World War II. 34 chapters include reminiscences from 34 men and women mainly from the Watsonia Returned Servicemen's League recording their memories of the war years for the benefit of the [Shire of] Diamond Valley community. This copy is signed by Eleanor Sumner who is also a contributor.This book comprises a collection of unique and individual personal narratives of World War 2, written 50 years after the war and preserved for future generations. The collection is linked through the association of the participants living in the Diamond Valley area in Melbourne's north in 1995.roy hillard, eleanor sumner, bob campbell, dulcie cox, lancelot riky, charles nelson, reg johnson, frank collings, george armstrong, stan ware, lorna mill, ann hewett, reg angwin, ruby talbot, dion hogan, elean dansey, mary keppel, charles baker, elaine grigg, len grigg, kathleen kennedy, arthur dykes, eric wood, frances jensen, mary edwards, frank wilson, harry hewett, mick marks, audrey wass, ian wall, joyce anderson, john grant, jean gee, noel mcintyre, allan dunn, reminscences, oral history, world war 1939-1945, world war 2, ww2, australia remembers, northern metropolitan college of tafe, watsonia, personal narrative, watsonia barracks

Facsimile - hard cover, cloth tape binding. Cover - cardboard, front - black print on white background. Green cloth tape binding. 313 pages, paper, cut, plain, white. Illustrated - black and white copies of photographs and illustrations. Handwritten marking, top front cover. Owners stamp top front cover.Front cover top - handwritten, grey lead pencil "50--" Owners stamp, black ink. "Mr W.J. HAMMILL, A.A.I.M./PO Box 76, Kangaroo Flat/Victoria, 3555, Australia"books, history, war service, ww2, biography

Political and Social History of Australia in the War of 1939-1941. A history of political events in Australia during the War and merges into the history of world events. Matters which found their eventual significance in decisions made in the Australian Cabinet, the Parliament and the Australian electorate.The Political, Social chronological history of Australian Parliament, Cabinet and Electorate.Australia in the War of 1939-1945 - The Government and the People 1939-41 Photographs, IllustrationsAustralian War Memorialprime minister robert.g. menzies, the challenge of survival, scullin ministry, the declaration of war, manpower, democratic rights, danger in europe, women at war, the effects on citizens, the downfall of menzies, fadden government, danger from japan 1941

The history of the Royal Australian Air Force in WWII beginning with the first offensive against Japan and ends with the return of the RAAF to Australia after the surrender of the Japanese Forces.Australia in the War of 1939-1945 - Air War Against Japan 1943-1945 AIR Maps, Illustrations, Photographs, Australian War Memorialraaf, 1943-1945, japan, pacific war, phillipines, burma, minelaying, mindoro, catalinas, anti-submarine, tarakan, labuan, rabaul, new guinea

Beathea Isobel Weppner No VFX126729 enlisted on 22.6.43 in the 2nd AIF. At discharge from the Army she was a Cpl in 2/9th Aust General Hospital. VFX meaning Victorian female. Medal Set, court mounted, set of (6) Re B.I WEPPNER. 1. 1939 - 45 2. Pacific Star 3. Defence Medl 4. War Medal Service Medal 5. Australian Service Medal 6. Australian Service Medal 1945 - 75 with clasp 'S W PACIFIC" "VFX 126729 B.I., WEPPNER" medals, military, history, passchendaele barracks trust

John Norman Haughton No 75761 enlisted in the RAAF on 11.5.42 age 19 years. On discharge from the RAAF 21.2.46 he was a Cpl in 88 Operational Base Unit. Medal set, court mounted, set of (3) re J. N. HAUGHTON. 1. Defence Medal 2. War Medal 1939 - 1945 3. Australian Service Medal"75761 J. N. HAUGHTON"medals, military, history, passchendaele barracks trust

Donald Henry Harris No 141844 enlisted in the RAAF on 15.12.43 age 34 years. At discharge from the RAAF on 29.1.46 he was an LAC in 14 Mobile Works Sqd. Refer 2126.2.Medals, court mounted, set of (5) re D.H.Harris. 1. 1939-45 Star, not engraved but original. 2. Pacific Star, not engraved but original. 3. War Medal 1939-45. 4. Australian Service Medal. 5. Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp "SW PACIFIC". "141844 D.H.Harris"medals, military, history

Mid green buckram covers with light green dust jackets, several with plastic. Titles on front & spines. Illustrated with black & white photos & drawings. .1) Vol I The Government and the People 1939-1941,644 pages .2) Vol II The Government and the People 1942 -1945, 771 pages .3) Vol IV War Economy 1942 -1945, 817 pages .4) Vol V The role of Science and Industry, 738 pagesbooks - history, politics

Medium red buckram covers with dark maroon plastic covered dust jackets. .2) Dust jacket is lighter shade of puce. Titles on front & spines. Illustrated with photos & maps. .1) Vol I Clinical Problems of War, 726 pages .2) Vol II Middle East and Far East, 701 pages .3) Vol III The Island Campaigns, 426 pages .4) Vol IV Medical Services of the RAN and RAAF, 574 pages.3) Fly leaf stamped in ink, oval shape: Returned Services League Memorial Hall Bendigobooks - history, military, medical

John Alexander McDonald VX79511 enlisted on 28.4.42 aged 19 years, served 2/29th Bn. On discharge from the 2nd AIF 17.1.46 he was a Craftsman in 209 Aust Light Aid Detachment..1) Medal set, brass plate mounted, set of (5) re J.A McDonald. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. Pacific Star. 3. War Medal 1939-45. 4. Australian Service Medal. 5. Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp"SW PACIFIC" .2) Medal set, miniatures, brass plate mounted, set of (5) as in .1). .1) "VX79511 J.A McDonald"medals, military, history

Alfred Maskell No VX25221 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 25.6.40 aged 19 years. Posted to 4th Anti Tank Regt with the rank of Gunner he was taken POW at the fall of Singapore. He was held in Changi Gaol then went to work on the Thai-Burma Railway 1942-43 followed by Prison ship to Japan where he worked on the Docks until Wars end. He was discharged from the AIF on 12.12.45.Medals, court mounted, set of (6) re A Maskell. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. Pacific Star. 3. Defence Medal. 4. War Medal 1939-45. 5. Australian Service Medal. 6. Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp "SW PACIFIC"."VX25221 A.R Maskell"military, history, medals

.3) A Lee, 27 Alamein Court, Golden Square, Bendigo.Red buckram covers with loose paper & plastic covers. White text on loose covers. Black & white photos & illustrations. .1) Vol I The Benghazi, 336 pages .2) Vol II Greece, Crete and Syria, 587 pages .3) Vol III Tobruk and El Alamein, 854 pages .4) Vol IV The Japanese Thrust, 715 pages .5) Vol V South-West Pacific Area - First Year, 655 pages .6) Vol VI The New Guinea Offensives, 851 pages .7) Vol VII The Final Campaigns, 667 pagesbooks, military history

Blue buckram hard covers with paper & plastic cover-overs. Gold print & white print respectively. Black & white photos & illustrated. .1) Vol I Royal Australian Navy 1939-1942, 686 pages .2) Vol II Royal Australian Navy 1942-1945, 753 pagesbooks, military history - navy

Mid blue buckram hard covers with blue plastic covered dust jackets. Titles on front covers & spines except Vol III due to front of dust jacket missing. Illustrated with black & white photos & maps. .1) Vol I Royal Australian Air Force 1939-1942, 786 pages .2) Vol II Air War Against Japan 1939-1945, 533 pages .3) Vol III Air War Against Germany & Italy 1939-1943, 731 pages .4) Vol IV Air Power Over Europe 1944-1945, 539 pagesbooks, military history - airforce

Belonged to Donald Henry Harris No 141844 RAAF. Refer 2318 for service history also 2126.2.1. Box hinged, black, felt lined, on front War Medal 1939-45. 2. White sleeve box for 2105.1, in black 41844 D H Harris. 3. Box hinged, black, felt lined, on front Australian Service Medal 1939-45. 4. White sleeve box for 2105.3 141844 D H Harris. 5. Box hinged, black, felt lined, on front Australian Service Medal 1945-75. 6. White sleeve box for 2105.5, 41844 D H Harris. 7. Medal minature with ribbon & S W Pacific clasp, Australian Service Medal 1945-75. 8. Clasp for Australian service medal 1945-75.presentation, medals, military

Makers Details: Possibly collected by Dave Fehring. p3 - list of contributors - Robert GillBook, white black, red, grey illustrated paper cover. Title in black print. Black plastic ring binding, 322 pages, black & white illustrations.books, military history

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 The Final Campaigns The seventh and final volume in the army series of the Australian offical history describes the operations of the first Australian Army in 1944-1945 Author: Gavin Long Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1963Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS The top of the text block has stamp from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, australia in the war of 1939-1945 the final campaigns, australia in the war of 1939-1945, australian war memorial, gavin long

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 The Japanese Thrust This volume of the army series of the Australian offical war history relates mainly to the operations in Malaya in the first ten weeks of the war Japan Author: Lionel Wigmore Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1954Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS The top of the Text block has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, australia in the war of 1939-1945 the japanese thrust, australia in the war of 1939-1945, lionel wigmore, australian war memorial

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Greece Crete and Syria This volume of the army series of the offical history of Australia in the war of 1939-1945 describes the campaogns in Greece, Crete and Syria in 1941 Author: Gavin Long Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1953Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, australia in the war of 1939-1945 greece crete and syria, australia in the war of 1939-1945, gavin long, australian war memorial

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 The Island Campaigns This volume of the medical series of the offical history of Australia in the war of 1939-1945 covers the operational experiences of the Australian Army Medical Corps. Author: Allan S Walker Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1957Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, australia in the war of 1939-1945 the island campaigns, australia in the war of 1939-1945, allan s walker, australian war memorial

On display in History House.Black and white photograph of man in military uniform, with peaked hat. Badges are pinned to hat and left lapel. ¾ turn to right. Below image is text stating man's identity and positions.Front: Colonel (RTD) Sydney Patterson M.C., M.I.D., War Service World War 1. Served from 1914-1919 New Guinea (Naval Force) 1914. Egypt, France, Belgium 1915-1919, 20th Batalion A.I.F.M.I.D. 1916, M.C. 1917. Commissioned on the Field. Twice wounded. World War 2. Served from 1939-1945 Australia (Darwin) New Guinea, New Britain, etc. Captain 1939, Adj. No. 7 Aust Int. Training Centre, 1941. G.S.O. 3 (O) G. Branch A.H.Q. 1942. Major R.A.E. (Docks) 1942. L.L. Colonel R.A.E. C.R.E 3rd Aust. Dock Group. CIVIC SERVICE Councillor, Portland 1931-1940 (Resigned for War Service) 1945-1957. Mayor of Portland 1935, 1938, 1939-40, 1949-50, 1953-54. Harbour Trust Commissioner, appointed March 1950 (1950-1957). Back: Mr. Stevenson (pencil, centre)