Metal medallion service locationsVarious service areas

These three badges all bear the phrase " For Our Fighting Men" and were sold to raise funds for Australian servicemen's comforts in World War One. The funds would have been used to send food and amenities parcels to those serving overseas, to provide assistance to those soldiers who had returned to Australia or were serving within Australia. The funds from the sale of these badges were directed to the Australian Comforts Fund which was an organisation formed in August 1916 from the amalgamation of the State groups formed to provide assistance to those serving in World War One. These badges are of interest as examples of those made and sold in Australia during World War One to provide comforts for Australian servicemen..1 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features the Australian flag on a red background surrounded by a white annulus and a pale blue ring with text. There are rust marks on the surface.The reverse has a pin clip. .2 Identical to .1 but very discoloured and faded. .3 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features a the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier in uniform with a slouch hat and a gun with bayonet fixed against a background of the Australian flag. Inside the outer rim of pale gold is a white ring with red text. There is a pin clip on the reverse. .1 FOR OUR FIGHTING MEN .2 Identical to .1 .3 OUR FIGHTING MEN AUSTRALIAN.COMFORTS. FUNDaustralian comforts fund

This is an example of posters with a patriotic theme the purpose of which was to raise money for goods for service personal overseas, during WW2. "Tin-hat" badges were sold for 1 and 2 shillings and 1pound. The 'tin-hat' appeal was conducted from 4 Sept - 17 Sept in 1943. Organised by the Returned Soldiers League. A poster is superimposed on a hidden print. The poster which is on top of a hidden print has these words written on it: "Don’t Let the Boys down, Help the tin hat appeal for the Australian Comforts Fund, Friday 1 Aug buy a tin hat or send your donation to RSL War Service Fund Tin Hat Appeal Office – Town Hall Melbourne"australian comfort funds, ww2, tin hat appeal

Early in World War I local women's groups in Australia began working to provide provide tobacco, cakes, puddings, condensed milk, sugar, biscuits, newspapers and other 'luxury' items to supplement the Australian soldier's army rations. These fund-raising bodies were amalgamated in 1916 to form a national body, The Australian Comforts Fund (ACF), which undertook to provide 'comforts' to all Australians abroad. Sales of this book raised funds for The Australian Comforts Fund.A thin book with a brown fabric cover. On the cover is a black line drawing of a koala in a tree. It contains a summary of the work done by the Australian Comforts Funds at the front, Anzac and Mudros, at the camps in Egypt with a summary of gifts and statement of accounts.The book sold for 3/- or 15 P.T. in aid of the A.C.F. It was edited by William Beit.

Postcards issued by Dept of Defence with proceeds going to Australian Comfort Funds. Part of the collection of William (Bill) Thomason. Refer no 4136PBlack and white photo of members of the Australian Field Ambulance taking shelter in a "Funk Hole". Back of card as a description of photo. Related to WW1.Titled "Our Boys at the front - No.8". "No 5" Written on back in pencil.collection of william (bill) thomason, photograph, postcard

The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book containing useful information for Australian Soldiers. This was presented to members of the 2nd A.I.F. with best wishes from the Australian Comfort Funds, Victorian Division 1940. "Refer to Inscriptions and markings".Small pocket book was first compiled and issued in Victoria under the auspices of the Victorian RSL. The information in this book has been gathered and strung together by men who have first hand knowledge of the requirement of war service.Inside book, “Pay Book 118989. F.C. EDLIN. 41236 Private 2/24th 100 Splatt Street, SWAN HILL, VICTORIA. E.Q.EDLIN, Swan Hill, Victoria, Aus. 1st May 1907, 7st,12lbs, 10.2.41, Height 5ft 6". Rifle No. 26207”passchendaele barracks trust, pocket book, victorian rsl., pbt 114

Directions for the knitting of standard socks for men in active service during WWI. Issued by the Lady Mayoress's League, Melbourne, in September 1915. The Lady Mayoress's League, or Lady Mayoress's Patriotic League, was formed on 7th August 1914 by Lady Hennessy, Lady Mayoress of the City of Melbourne. The League was formed to supplement the official supplies issued to each soldier by providing 'comforts' such as socks and food packages, and by 1915 was the recognised agent in Victoria for the reception and despatch of all gifts other than those sent privately. In September 1916 it became part of the Australian Comforts Funds, an Australia-wide umbrella organisation formed from individual state-based organisations of this type. Folded single sheet of white paper that has discoloured with age, printed in black on both sidesthe lady mayoress's league, wwi fund-raising

Advertising carnival to be held on 8-13th December at Luna Park to aid Australian Red Cross and Comfort FundsPaper, brightly coloured (orange, yellow, green) printed in blackvictorian red cross, luna park, australian comforts fund, wwi fund-raising

These badges were produced in 1917 to provide funds for the Lady Mayoress’ Fund during World War One. This fund was largely involved in funding canteens and other comforts for the servicemen during World War One..1 A metal badge with a gold rim, a dark gold background, a cream-coloured map of Australia with red printing and five stars representing the Southern Cross (one smaller star may represent Tasmania). The badge has a metal clip at the back and is somewhat rusted. .2 as above I will help until the war is won Copyright S & S (?) world war one, history of warrnambool, lady mayoress’ fund

There were many Comforts funds providing items for our troops overseas.Thirty two pages, white with black print, “ACF” badge in red on the front. The book as per the cover contains a guide to the various sections mentioned regarding of clothing .On the back of page 23 printed, “Renwick Pride”comforts fund, knitting, acf

Cloth flag, pink, hemmed top / bottom with reinforced hanging edge with eyelet on top / bottom. Outside edge not hemmed.In red in centre: AUSTRALIAN COMFORTS FUNDflags - military history, comforts, funds

Letter from Alf Ferris to his Brother Jim and family at Terrick Terrick Victoria., Refer Cat No 4183.3P for Alf’s service details..1) Envelope with Rising Sun AIF Australian Comforts fund logo, Field PO stamp, passed by censor stamp, hand written in purple. .2).3).4).5) Letter with same logo, hand written in black pencil..2) “Soumouses ? Near Maubeuge France 24th Jan 1919, Dear Jim & All”letters, envelopes, comforts funds

The items relates to a collection re John EDWARDS VX3857 2nd AIF. Refer Cat No 536 for his service details."Australian comforts fund." notice. Notice is Re the ACF and its affiliated organization to bring pleasure to the troops via a Christmas gift from the folks at home. Yellowed paper with Red star a top with white "ACF" Blue writing . Note is attached to a cardboard backing via photo corners.documents - posters, military history, acf, comforts, funds

The fund was established to coordinate the activities of the state based patriotic funds, mainly run by women. Established in 1916 to 10 April 1920 for WW1 and then again for WW11 June 1940 and ceased 27th June 1946. Australian Comforts 'Fund Badge. 8 x Badges White cotton material with red machine cotton . At the top is Victorian Division, under that circled around a red star with A.C.F. in the middle is Australian comforts'' Fund. At the bottom is Golden Square. The badges have top and bottom rough edges to fold under for sewing on a garment or hat.. Box 625organization, government, state government, victorian division australian comforts' fund golden square. ww1 - ww11

A wide variety of items all in a damaged and incorrectly labelled tennis ball box. It is labelled 'Authors Book Reviews.' Some items are ephemeral others are of historical importance. (I) A black exercise book titled 'Correspondence Golden Square Patriotic League.' Lydia Pethard Hon. Sec. This book has pages labelled 'inwards' and 'outwards' and details correspondence between Aug. 2nd 1918 and C1921. (II) A Secondary Infantry Bendigo Brigade Comforts Fund cash book. 1919. (III) A black exercise book titled 'Golden Square Patriotic League.' Contains the minutes of meetings held between November 26th, 1917 and August 5th, 1918. Also includes the 'Annual Report p resented at Public Meeting held August 15th, 1918 and presented by President Lydia Pethard, Hon. Sec. (IV) A black exercise book labelled 'Wilsons' Reed Branch 2nd Infantry Comforts Fund. Mrs. Geo Goulden. It contains information relevant to the members and is dated 26/7/17 to 28/12/18 and 3/8/17 to 13/12/18. In the centre of the book is a list of donations. (V) A black exercise book titled 'Red Cross Golden Square.' Contains meetings held from June 30th, 1915 to October 29th., 1917. (VI) A small black notebook titled 'Carnival Returns July 21st 1917.' Appears to pertain to raffle tickets. (VII) 20 booklets titled 'Austral-American Souvenir. The Glorious Fourth.' Reprinted in connection with Bendigo-Eaglehawk Australian Comforts Fund Effort, 4th July, 1918. Written in connection with the visit of the American fleet August 1908 (VIII) A small cream sympathy card for a lost soldier Bendigo, Oct., 1918. (VX) A small blue and white election advertisement urging 'yes' for Reinforcements on Dec. 20th. (X) 2 copies of the Australian Comforts Fund Bendigo Appeal June-July 1916 Receipts. (XI) 2 copies of an application for authority to make an appeal, or to collect. Pertaining to Patriotic Funds. (XII) 2 copies of parcel slips 'for our Australian Troops From the Lady Mayoress's Patriotic League.' (ix) small card circ 1917 -A christmas flash from the boys in the trenches -on Dec 20th for Reinforcements Hold up the light -the front of the card shows a picture of three soldiers in a trench shining a searchlight on a map of Australia .The back shows a searchlight with the words -vote yes - Authorised by the Reinforcements Referendum Councilorganization, club / society, australian comforts fund, lydia chancellor, collection, ephemera, golden square patriotic league, bendigo brigade comforts fund, wilsons' reed branch 2nd infantry comforts fund, red cross golden square, bendigo-eaglehawk australian comforts fund, war, world war i, clubs, clubs and societies, organizations, finance, history, australian history, australian comforts fund

Forty-three-page WW11 booklet titled 'Deeds of the 2nd AIF' issued to raise funds for the Australian Comfort Fund [ACF]. Price 6d. Various middle east war time conflicts outlined.australia, military, 2nd aif

A white pamphlet with black print and a red ACF insignia. On the front page are the words ' Australian Comforts Fund. Victorian Division. Review of the Final Months of the Australian Comforts Fund Work in Victoria and Summary of Distribution from Inception 7th August, 1914, to 13th July, 1920. Town Hall Melbourne.' On the inside is the review and the outline of distribution of funds.clubs and associations, sport, austalian comforts fund, lydia chancellor, collection, australian comforts fund, world war ii, war

This Australian Comforts Fund badge is part of a set of eleven badges collected from the 1920s to the 1940s by Dr W. R. Angus. The badge was sold by the ACF in 1940 to raise funds for gifts to send to the Australian troops serving overseas. The badge is one of a set of badges that represents various organisations that he had interests in. The Australian Comforts Fund was a mostly female, volunteer-run organisation officially recognised by the Government. It began in 1916 as an amalgamation of groups of people who wanted to support the Australian troops abroad with Items of comfort to supplement the essential items provided by the Australian Military Forces. The ACF raised funds to purchase goods, pack them and send them overseas. One of their fund-raising activities was 'button days' where buttons such as this one were given to those who gave donations. The ACF closed down after World War I but was re-formed at the start of World War II. Items that the ACF sent to the troops included personal toiletry items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, magazines, pyjamas, singlets and socks. They also provided sporting equipment, recreational music, writing materials and postcards. Special hampers were sent to the troops at Christmas time. The maker, P J King, (Percy John King), originally established his engraving and ie casting business in Russell Street, Melbourne in 1893 in partnership with Charles Walder Bridgland, continuing on his own from 1899. Percy and his son John Howard King set up a new business P J King Pty Ltd in 1928 making uniform buttons. In the late 1980s, it merged with two other companies that then became J J Cash, now known as Cash's Australia. The set of badges was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” which includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) and 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. The W.R. Angus Collection: - The W.R. Angus Collection includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) and 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 part-time Port Medical Officer responsibility and was the last person appointed to that position. 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 represents the efforts of the women volunteers in Australia to support the Australian troops overseas in WWI and WWII. This badge is one of a set of significant badges that connects Doctor Angus with Australian organisations of the early-to-mid 20th century, including those relating to military service support. 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.The ACF Badge is a star-shaped, gold, glittered red enamel and metal badge. The star has six points. The enamel surface is textured. The border and front inscription of the badge is gold. It is the badge of the Australian Comfort Fund, made by P.J. King and dated 1940. This badge is part of a set of badges collected by Dr W R Angus. the set represents organisations that he was involved in, and is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.Front: “ACF / 1940” Reverse embossed “P.J. KING”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, metal badges, enamel badges, organisation badges, acf, presbyterian brotherhood, oikumene, w.r. angus, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, australian comforts fund, button day, volunteer, australian military forces, christmas hamper, 1940 acf badge, fund-raising, p j king pty ltd, percy john king, donor's badge, world war ii, 1939-1945, australians at war, voluntary work, volunteers, home front, w.r. angus collection

The International Committee of the Red Cross was formed in 1862. Initially its purpose was to try and find ways of overcoming the inadequacy of army medical services so as to alleviate the suffering of those wounded in armed conflict. Over time it has extended its work to include many forms of humanitarian aid in times of peace and war. The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It is especially remembered in the provision of “comforts” for soldiers overseas. Enormous sums of money were raised, and thousands of women volunteers contributed their time by making vast quantities of clothing: socks, vests, mittens, mufflers, pyjamas and a variety of linen. Items were sent to headquarters located in the state capitals, often using government houses as depots, where, after being sorted and packed by yet more volunteers, they were sent to Britain or the front. The effect of this work for the recipients was to bring comfort in its truest sense, for a seemingly trivial gift of a bar of chocolate of a pair of dry socks could bring the most profound relief for a soldier on the Western Front. From the date of its inception until the armistice the ARCS dispatched 395,695 food parcels and 36,339 clothing parcels Between 1914 and 1918 more than £3,500,00 was collected and spent on Red Cross services to the Australian Forces and Empire Forces. During WW1 and WW2 Red Cross raised funds selling buttons.Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire held fundraising events for the support of Red Cross Victoria and made cakes and knitted socks, gloves and scarves for distribution to serving men and women Metal buttons with printing on themRed Crossred cross, fund raising buttons, wwi, wwii, french red cross, british red cross, market gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, caulfield repatriation hospital

The International Committee of the Red Cross was formed in 1862. Initially its purpose was to try and find ways of overcoming the inadequacy of army medical services so as to alleviate the suffering of those wounded in armed conflict. Over time it has extended its work to include many forms of humanitarian aid in times of peace and war. The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It is especially remembered in the provision of “comforts” for soldiers overseas. Enormous sums of money were raised, and thousands of women volunteers contributed their time by making vast quantities of clothing: socks, vests, mittens, mufflers, pyjamas and a variety of linen. Items were sent to headquarters located in the state capitals, often using government houses as depots, where, after being sorted and packed by yet more volunteers, they were sent to Britain or the front. The effect of this work for the recipients was to bring comfort in its truest sense, for a seemingly trivial gift of a bar of chocolate of a pair of dry socks could bring the most profound relief for a soldier on the Western Front. From the date of its inception until the armistice the ARCS dispatched 395,695 food parcels and 36,339 clothing parcels Between 1914 and 1918 more than £3,500,00 was collected and spent on Red Cross services to the Australian Forces and Empire Forces. During WW1 and WW2 Red Cross raised funds selling buttons.This Carnival was an example of the support given to Red Cross by market gardeners, early settler families and schools in Moorabbin ShireDandenong Red Cross Carnival 1917red cross, dandenong, springvale, chelsea, dingley, keysborough

Ernest Scott was a Professor in History at the University of Melbourne.Red hard covered book of 922 pages with 67 illustrationsworld war, world war one, aif, anzac, censorship, germans, internment, spying, war correspondents, official photographers, propaganda, equipment, munitions, conscription, conscription referendum, recruiting, horses, patriotic funds, red cross, australian comforts fund, junior red cross, peace conference, treaty, repatriation, soldier settlement, andrew fisher, legacy

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

Article One - Image of Private Wally Atkinson from Barmah, Victoria a descendant of Murray tribe. Article Two - Mealtime - image of aborigines at meal time Article Three - Swingtime - image of aborigines practisiing latest hits on gum leaves - members of gum leaf band have raised much money for local hospital,comfort funds. Article Four - Goanna Soup? image of Pte E Foster and Cook H L Harvey with "Myrtleford Mary" camp mascot (goanna) Article Five (on rear) - Canteen - image of aborignal squad at canteen. Aboriginal soldiers formed a special all volunteer platoon at No 9 Camp Wangaratta in Victoria from late 1940 until February 1941. No 9 Camp was set up at the Wangaratta Showgrounds to allow the formation of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion prior to leaving for Egypt. Major Joseph Albert Wright a WW1 Light Horse veteran was in charge of this platoon the only Aboriginal squad in the Australian Military Forces at that time. The soldiers from Lake Tyers enlisted at Caulfield between June and July 1940 include Harold Cornelius HAYES VX 48217 DOB 2/4/1916 Enlisted 25/7/40 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward FOSTER VX48218 DOB 25/5/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Noel Ernest HOOD VX48194 DOB 3/1/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Edward Leslie MULLETT VX48199 DOB 30/6/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Samuel Richard RANKIN VX48201 DOB 23/7/1910 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Stewart HOOD VX47351 DOB 23/1/1903 Enlisted 18/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 William GORRIE VX48208 DOB 22/11/1921 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 David John MULLETT VX48195 DOB 10/6/1919 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Arthur Alexander (Tom?) MULLETT VX48198 DOB 25/11/1914 Enlisted 25/7/1940 Discharged 22/3/1941 Images relates to the "special platoon" based at No 9 Camp Wangaratta as being the Australian Army's first all Aboriginal Unit formed in 1940. The soldiers were all volunteers mainly from Lake Tyers in Victoria. In addition to normal army training they performed guard duty at the Army Hospital and Camp. They formed the Gum Leaf Band and led the troops at community singing and assisted in Methodist Church services. Four black and white newspaper articles adhered to cream paperno 9 camp wangaratta, aboriginal platoon, 1940

These books became a wartime best seller raising substantial funds for Comforts Funds. It was a commo item in households in Australia. They are not rare so condition is important to collections.Example of early WWI war literature written and illustrated by serving soldiers.Hard back bound book with grey heavy paper dust cover; 170 pages, some coloured plates. Written and Illustrated by the men of Anzac. Published "For the benefit of the Patriotic Funds connected with the A.N.Z.A.C., by Cassell and Company Ltd London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne, 1916.anzac book

non-fictionOne of a series of travel books produced by Frank Clune. This volume details his travels and observances in the Middle East during 1942. Clune was an honorary commissioner of the Australian Comforts Fund. Clune allegedly “left a very bad impression” on General Sir Thomas Blamey for his ‘irregular methods and indiscreet utterances’ about the British ‘only playing at war’. Blamey therefore ensured that Clune was subject to military censorship. Royalties from this book and funds raised during a lecture tour promoting it in 1943 were donated to the Australia Comforts Fund to whose voluntary workers it is dedicated. world war 11, world war 1939 - 1945, middle east

This knitting pattern book was produced during 1939-45 by Patons and Baldwins' and contains knitting patterns for mens civilian and service garments. The front cover illustrates a knitted convalescent jacket (with extra room for bandages, etc) and there are other patterns suitable for men in the services which could be knitted for the Red Cross or Comfort Funds. The back is illustrated with a photo of two men (one in a flying cap, one in army uniform) reading a sign on a wall which states: "Don't help the enemy! Careless talk may give away vital secrets".Front cover, Patons and Baldwins' Specialty Knitting Book no. 120, WWII. Back cover of Patons and Baldwins Specialty Knitting Book no. 120, WWII.MEN'S SERVICE AND CIVILIAN KNITWEAR / No. 120 / 6D. / PATONS & BALDWINS' / SPECIALTY / Knitting Book / THIS IS A SPECIALLY DESIGNED CONVALESCENT JACKETknitting, world war ii, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd