Australian munitions is the largest supplier of explosive munitions to the Australian Defence Force. Australian Munitions can trace its ammunition heritage back to the late 19th century, through the establishment of the Colonial Ammunition Company in Victoria. Manufacturing is based at two main regional sites – Benalla in Victoria and Mulwala in New South Wales. The Benalla site produces ammunition, explosive ordnance and other munitions.This cartridge represents the first ammunition delivery from the site upon its opening in 1996.Single 5.56mm cartridge, encased in resin. Text and images on resin."INERT ROUND" "First Ammunition Deliveries from" "ADI'S Benalla Facility" "3 April 1996"cartridge, ammunition, round, adi, australian munitions, bullet

Australian Defence Industries (ADI) - Thirty-eight assorted coloured brochures covering Defence Technology, Australian Government Munitions Factories and promotional material for manufactured items.adi history

Regarding P Sexton. There is a Patrick Sexton listed in the 59th Batt roll No 3243a. The trench art was in the collection of James Worland Mills No 3441 59th Batt AIF. Refer 169P, 166.3, 167.6. Map of Australia made from spent munitions brass; engraved with picture of soldier holding a banner.'59th Btn.' - written on Union Jack in corner of banner. 'Australia for Ever' written on 2nd banner. 'CD' written between soldier's feet. Other inscriptions: 'France 12.7.18', and 'P. Sexton Ville-Sur Ancre Somme.arms-ammunition, trench art

By referring to Cat No 7237.2 will bring all items associated with Thompsons.1. Single sheet of paper. From Thompson's Engineering & Pipe Co Ltd to Ordnance Factory Maribyrnong. A/c Ministry of Munitions. Titled - mechanical tests - Test on 25 PDR Breech rings. Rings NR (1790-1793). Dated 26 March 1943. 2. Tensile tests on material for 95 (loose) Barrel forgings for 25 PDR Gun Howitzers. From Thompson's to Commonwealth of Australia - Ministry of Munitions. Barrel 14236/1 (Y2) - Barrel 635/3 - Dated 18 Feb 1942.1. Top has name "Mr. Johnson" written. In the middle is an unidentifiable signature dated 26-3-1943. Bottom has (??) Martin. 2. At bottom signed off by (??) Martin.25 pdr, thompson's castlemaine, ordnance factory maribyrnong.

Drawing - red ink drawn on a print showing an extension to the single track, Maribyrnong tram line to run further into the Explosives Factory. Original print from the Commonwealth of Australia, Dept of Munitions, Factory Board drawing number W-1163 titled "Explosives - Munitions Supply Laboratories Proof at Rest - Maribyrnong" and dated April 1933. Marked in red ink is a "Explosive Factory Cordite Ave - Proposed Tramway Extension shown red". Not dated, possibly early 1940's. Also has pencil markings around the terminus showing an alternative loop.In blue pencil both edges on the rear "Cordite Ave" and in pencil on rear "Copy to Mr ?? to file"trams, tramways, footscray, maribyrnong, new tramway, explosives factory

This post drill press has been made by Melbourne business, Dawn Manufacturing Company. It can be operated manually or by a pulley driven flywheel, with the aid of an engine connected to a power supply. In the late 1800s early 1900s a drill press like this would have been driven by steam from a boiler, the main power source for manufacturer’s power at that time. Dawn’s Golden Anniversary 1917-1967 Catalogue describes this model 611 drill as … “Ruggedly constructed with accurately reamed bearings. The coupling between the main spindle and feed screw engages the full circumference of the spindle, and embraces a ball-bearing thrust race. The pillar, as in all “Dawn Drilling Machines” is a solid bright steel bar, in place of the usual light tubing. Adjustable automatic feed.” And “F. & l. Pulleys extra, if required”. DAWN MANUFACTURING CO. The Dawn Manufacturing Co. was founded in Coburg, Melbourne, in 1917 by the four Blake brothers, who were all engineers. After World War I Dawn was supplying drills Australia wide and the company was growing at a healthy rate. During the depression they remained busy, with employees working 60-80 hour weeks. Dawn was contracted to supply vices and clamps to the Australian Defence Department and munitions factory during the World War II. - 1959 the company was taken over by G.N. Raymond Group. - 1967 the Dawn Manufacturing Co. had distributors in Australia and overseas, including USA, Canada, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East. - 1973 the Siddons Ramset Limited acquired Dawn. - December 1991, Dawn became a unit of the United States owned Stanley Works Pty. Ltd. - November 1998 Dawn became 100 per cent Australian owned. The drill is a typical tool of a blacksmith, cart wright, wheelwright and garage business. It is an example of the tools of the blacksmiths’ trade in Victoria in the early to mid-20th century.Post type drill press machine with gear driven flywheel. Drill press is attached to a post and is fitted with a pulley belt and will run at a speed of maxim 200 r.p.m. The machine can also be manually operated. It has an aperture in the centre, a chuck, for the drill bit and has two metal handles at the centre, on the right hand side. Gear ratio 2:1 main drive, 6" diam, 3:1 reduction gear. Made by Dawn of Melbourne, Australia. Model No. 611, Code No. 9157"DAWN MFG COY”, “MELB. AUSTRALIA", " 611"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, blacksmiths, blacksmith’s drill, blacksmith tools, dawn drill model no. 611, dawn drill code no. 9157, dawn manufacturing coy melbourne, dawn manufacturing coy coburg, dawn post drill, drilling machine, drill with gear driven flywheel, forging tool, metal working tool, post drill, steam powered drill, trade tool, warrnambool district 1900s

This drill once belonged to Goodall and Sons, who were blacksmiths in Terang. The smith was called upon to do a variety of work. In the early 1900s he was often the nearest person to be able to perform an engineer’s services for many miles around. The Dawn Ball-bearing Post Drill no. 611 is described in McPherson’s Catalogue as a “drilling machine with adjustable automatic feed, with improved Dawn coupler and ball-bearing thrust’. The heavy design of the flywheel enables it to maintain momentum” and is “fitted with pulleys for belt drive if desired” The hand crank drives an automatic feed to work off a cam-follow system opposite a large wheel. Made by Dawn Manufacturing Co. Australia 1920-1950. DAWN MANUFACTURING CO. Dawn Manufacturing Co. was founded in Coburg, Melbourne, in 1917 by the four Blake brothers, who were all engineers. After World War I Dawn was supplying drills Australia wide and the company was growing at a healthy rate. During the depression they remained busy, with employees working 60-80 hour weeks. Dawn was contracted to supply vices and clamps to the Australian Defence Department and munitions factory during the World War II. In 1959 the company was taken over by G.N. Raymond Group, then in 1973 the Siddons Ramset Limited acquired Dawn. In December 1991, Dawn became a unit of the United States owned Stanley Works Pty. Ltd. In November 1998 Dawn became 100 per cent Australian owned. HENRY GOODALL & SONS Henry Goodall (1870-1936) was proprietor of garages as H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd., at both Terang (McKinnon and High Streets) and Mortlake (Dunlop Street). His business was in operation in at least in 1916 and perhaps well before, considering the date of the tyre bender and its use for wagons with wooden wheels. It was still in operation in 1953, chasing up debtors in Mount Gambier Court. Amongst the employees of H. Goodall & Sons Pty. Ltd. was Ernie Entwistle, a blacksmith (a soldier who died in 1916 ) and Alfred Hodgetts, radio expert (killed in a fatal accident in 1943, when he was in his early 30s ). Henry Goodall was involved in the community as a Justice of Peace, a deputy coroner, President of the Mortlake Hospital, trustee of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, and as a prominent Freemason. He and his wife had two sons (Charles and John) and one daughter (Mrs. Chas. Newton, of Skipton). The drill is locally significant as it was used by a local company in Terang and Mortlake in their blacksmith, wheelwright and garage business. It is an example of the tools of the blacksmiths’ trade in Victoria in the 1920s-1950s.Dawn Ball-bearing Post Drill no. 611, made by Dawn of Melbourne, model no 611. Hand operated drill press. Self-feeding blacksmiths’ drill-press. This drill once belonged to Harry Goodall & Sons, blacksmiths of Terang. Dated 1920s-1950s. Gear ratio 2:1 main drive, 6" diam, 3:1 reduction gear. "Dawn", "Melbourne"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, h. goodall & sons of terang, terang blacksmith, h. goodall & sons pty ltd, mortlake, ernie entwistle blacksmith, alfred hodgetts radio expert, charles goodall, john goodall, mrs. chas. newton nee goodall, terang 1900s, warrnambool district 1900s, post drill, blacksmith’s drill, dawn post drill, dawn ball-bearing post drill no. 611, blacksmiths, dawn of melbourne

Ron Peck machined the driving sprockets for Bren Gun Carriers which were sent to North Africa. The Rats of Tobruk, the Egypt and Rommell campaign used these munitions. He boarded at Orbost House while doing 12 hour day shifts.During WW11 munitions and defence equipment were manufactured by state government and private engineering firms, co-ordinated by the Commonwealth government. They worked together to meet Australia’s defence needs and create ‘mass production, on a nation-wide scale, of materials and articles of a higher degree of complexity and accuracy than had before been attempted in Australia. These sprockets were manufactured locally.Two metal sprockets for a Bren Gun carrier. One metal ring gear.munitions sprockets bren-gun-carrier peck-james-ronald orbost-motor-works

Dawn commenced operations in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg, Victoria in 1917 under the name of Dawn Manufacturing Co. It was founded by four brothers named Blake, who were all engineers. The first products manufactured were vices. After the first world war, Dawn grew considerably and was selling its products all over Australia. They were very busy during the depression with each employee working 60-80 hours a week. During the second world war, Dawn was supplying vices and clamps to the Australian Defence Department along with munitions. In 1959, the company was taken over by the G.N. Raymond Group. The Dawn catalogue was expanded to now included a wide range of engineer's vices, woodworker's vices, plumber's vices & equipment, G-clamps, quick-action clamps and toggle clamps. In 1973, Dawn was acquired by Siddons Ramset Limited. In December 1991, Dawn became a unit of the United States owned Stanley Works Pty. Ltd. In November 1998, Dawn regained its 100% Australian ownership and now as a separate strategic business unit, began to improve and expand its manufacturing and marketing operations in Australia and overseas. Drill Press, Self-feeding, belt-driven. Embossed within the casting "Dawn Melb Australia Mfg".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, machinery, dawn drill press, drill press

Newspaper clippings and correspondence from Australian Defence League and Austraslian Military Forces to Cr. J.K. McCaskill, Borough of Ringwood, regarding speakers and attendance at inaugural local ADF branch, January, 1939. Photocopy of Cr. J.K. McCaskill's Certificate of Authority under War Damage Commission National Security Regulations. Newspaper clipping regarding Austerity War Loan Rally, Ringwood Town Hall, November, 1942. Photocopy of a souvenir - United Service of Thanksgiving (cover only) held in Ringwood Town Hall on 9th May 1945. Ladies are cordially invited to attend, and the formation of a Ladies' Emergency Section will be discussed. Speakers: W.J. Hutchinson, M.H.R., Mrs Weber, M.L.A., Capt. Brock, 24th Batt., Lt. Col. Knox, M.L.A., Mrs Colliver (Red Cross); Hon. N.J. Makin, Minister for Navy and Munitions; T.R.G. Williams, Mayor, Chairman, Ringwood War Loan Committee (1942).

world war 2, darwin bombing, burma, munitions, gardening

badgeAustralian coat of arms, munitions worker, Australia, issued by Department of Defence (reverse),Stokes and Sons Melbourne (reverse), 357munitions worker badge, metal

This atlas, printed in 1944, details not only the geographic and political boundaries of the world as it was at that time but also the snap shot of life of the time. This snap shot in time covers the major Australian cities, the major farming, grazing, industrial and sporting/recreational activities. Also there are snap shots of similar activities from other global areas. The period also covered World War II, detailed by a photo of "shell making", munitions, required by Australian soldiers. The great political and territorial changes made as a result of World War II can be clearly identified for example , Israel (the Jewish homeland). The various prewar colonies of major European nations.This atlas was used by children of a Kiewa Valley family and shows the value and the general educational exposure that these children had at this time. The rural setting and within the backdrop of a world war did not severely alter the life style of children in this region. The "news reels" shown in cinemas of cities and larger towns were the only visual realisations of major events of global significance available to these children. The information provided by this atlas allowed students to glimpse at what the "outside world" was. The majority of these students would possibly never see these regions for themselves. The great communication facilities of the late 1900s and beyond, was still only science fiction.This atlas has a thick (350 g/m) red cardboard cover with bold black lettering and shading. The cover is set out within a shield like frame. The shield is held up by two square markings, each with a four part circular pattern and a cord entwining two pendulum structures ending with a bowl figure at the bottom. There is a semi circular form enclosing a printed book contents list. The inside cover has the atlas title and contents and the publisher details. The atlas contain 56 pages of world and Australian maps, vegetation and rainfall maps. Within this atlas there are 27 double sided pages of black and white photographs depicting life styles, buildings, landscapes and prominent and significant to Australia males from 1652 to 1944. The pages are of approximately 200 g/m and have the yellow aged appearance.On front cover "Philips' Australian COMMONWEALTH ATLAS" and underneath "Containing" underneath "60 PHYSICAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC MAPS". Publisher George Philip & Son, Limited 32 Fleet Street, London E.C. 4. Inside cover are: written, in freehand and in ink the following names and dates; "J.Muller Form V 1945", "L L Muller Form IV 1946", "N.J. Muller Form I + II + III 1948 +49 + 50" and "D Muller Form I 1949". also handwritten and in pencil is "Peter Leslie". On the last page is a small freehand sketch of Australia in biro.1940s school curriculum, rural education, 1940s atlas, australian atlas

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 ice cream freezer, manufactured in South Australia in the 1930's, was advertised to "keep the contents of the cream compartment frozen for many hours". It was promoted for use at picnics to keep salads cool. Its design is very similar to other freezers of The Frigid name which were made in 1939; those freezers were all one colour whereas this one is blue around the top and bottom of the barrel and cream in the centre with blue/green lettering. The process of making ice cream was to pack the outer chamber full with a combination of 3 parts ice cubes of about 1 inch (2.cm) to one part coarse salt, then pour into the chamber about 1 cup of cold water. After this, the ingredients for ice cream or sorbet were poured into the inner chamber, then attach the lid and turn The Frigid freezer upside down for about 40 minutes or until the right consistency is reached. Advice as given to open the freezer every 20 minutes and stir around the contents that were frozen against the sides of the inner chamber. The ingredients for the ice cream could include cream, sugar, vanilla and eggs. The label on the box of The Frigid shows the address of A Simpson and Son to be at Pirie Street, Adelaide. This address was used as early as 1876 and later catalogues, 1931 - 1960 still show this address. Alfred Simpson and his family emigrated from England, arriving in South Australia in 1849. He had already completed his apprenticeship as a tinplate worker but he tried various other occupations, including trying out the gold mines in Victoria, before he established himself as a tinsmith in 1853. His products included many agricultural items. His son, Alfred Muller Simpson, joined the business when he turned 21. In the 1860 Simpson's products included 'explosion proof' safes. In the late 1880's A Simpson and Son manufactured munitions and mines for the war. At the time of Alfred's death in 1891, A Simpson and Son had the largest metal manufacturing plant in Australia. From 1898 the company's reputation grew from the process of enamel plating with porcelain. During the First World War, Simpsons returned to the manufacture of munitions. Alfred M. Simpson's sons (Alfred Allen, known as Allen, and Fredrick Neighbour) joined the company when they finished their schooling. Allen was also associated with the Royal Geological Society over many years and when the CT Madigan surveyed Central Australia in 1929, the Simpson Desert was named in his honour. Cape Simpson in Antarctica is also named after him due to his assistance to Douglas Mawson. A new factory was opened at Dudley Park in the 1940s and the company began the manufacture of whitegoods. In 1963 A. Simpson and Son merged with Pope Industries to form Simpson Pope Holdings. Alfred Simpson became chairman of the board of Simpson Pope Holdings. The Simpson brand, now owned by Electrolux, continues to produce a variety of household appliances. (Reference: State Library of South Australia) A Simpson and Son was an early colonial business that has lasted well into the 20th century and the name Simpson is still associated with whitegoods. Freezer, 2 quart (1.8 litre) capacity, made by A Simpson and Son Ltd, marked "The Frigid". Cylinder shaped, constructed from enamelled sheet metal, has two catches one on the base and one on top. Inner cylinder for holding contents for freezing. Slightly rusted. Freezer is inside original cardboard box with yellow label showing manufacturer details. Circa 1930'sOutside of freezer is printed in blue"The Frigid". Box includes "THE "FRIGID" FREEZER" and branded "S & S" inside a circle.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, a. simpson & son limited, manufacturer, foundry, freezer, 2 quart freezer, portable freezer, kitchen appliance, the frigid, ice cream freezer, ice cream maker 1930's

Brown hardcover book, 787 pagesnon-fictionf p treadwell, professor of analytical chemistry, zurich, william hall, translator, chemistry, quantitative analysis, munitions supply branch library

“Optical microscope made in Australia after 1939-45 war. Made in Australian Optical Company, Melbourne heade by Lawrence Dickens Collection Design probably by Maximilian Hertzberger; Messrs Curtis and W. Gallaghar, both ex MSL, were responsible for production. Full discussion given in Bolton, H.C. J.J. McNeill and the Development of Optical Research in Australia. Historical Records of Australian Science 5 (1983) pp 55-70”Black and white photograph of optical microscope. See History of Object for transcript of writing on back of image.

Index, bibliography, ill (plates), p.327.non-fictionBiography of Bert Kienzle who established a trail across the Owen Stanley ranges.kienzle herbert thompson 1905-1988, kokoda trail (papua new guinea)

In the Vietnam War the 'tunnel rats' became famous. It all began on 'Operation Crimp' in January 1966 when US paratroopers and Australian infantry and engineers captured a Vietcong headquarters, in an extensive network of tunnels, some going down to four or more levels, containing munitions and 100,000 documents. 1961-1975- regimental histories - australian, operation crimp, vietcong, 1st battalion, the royal australian regiment

In the Vietnam War the 'tunnel rats' became famous. It all began on 'Operation Crimp' in January 1966 when US paratroopers and Australian infantry and engineers captured a Vietcong headquarters, in an extensive network of tunnels, some going down to four or more levels, containing munitions and 100,000 documents.vietnam war, 1961-1975- regimental histories - australian, operation crimp, 1st battalion, the royal australian regiment

In the Vietnam War the 'tunnel rats' became famous. It all began on 'Operation Crimp' in January 1966 when US paratroopers and Australian infantry and engineers captured a Vietcong headquarters, in an extensive network of tunnels, some going down to four or more levels, containing munitions and 100,000 documents. vietnam war, 1961-1975- regimental histories - australian, operation crimp, us paratroopers, 1st battalion, the royal australian regiment

Greenbat Battery Loco Built by Greenwood & Batley Ltd Builders No. 420363/2 This Greenbat Battery Loco has been loaned to the Museum by the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, who had acquired it in 2013 along with a large quantity of narrow gauge trollies and light rail from Orica’s now closed munitions factory in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The trolley on display was one of two in use from the 1970s. Orica - Deer Park Munitions factory Orica Deer Park in Melbourne’s west has been used since circa 1875 for various forms of manufacturing and storage of chemicals. Although the site is bounded by Ballarat Road, Station Street, Tilburn Road and the Western Ring Road, the current entry point for industrial operations is situated at Gate 6 off Tilburn Road. Operations include: • a specialty chemicals facility producing products for mining services operations • quarry services • other chemical manufacture activities. The Deer Park factory complex is of historical significance as the location of the first plant for the manufacture of high explosives in Australia and has been, for its entire history, the most important, if not only, commercial manufacturer of high explosives in Australia. It commenced operation under the importer Jones Scott and Co, and then the Australian Lithofracteur Company (Krebs Patent), a rival to Nobel's dynamite patent. The factory was producing nitro-glycerine based explosives in Australia only a couple of years after Nobel's Ardeer factory began operating in Scotland. The explosives factories complex is of historical significance for the association with the Australian Lithofracteur Company, Australian Explosives and Chemicals, the Nobel company and later ICIANZ, which grew to become one of the largest explosives, chemical and plastics manufacturers in Australia. It was the pioneer of the industry and retained its dominance through monopolistic practices, taking over most of its competitors in the Australasian region. Substantial parts of the pre-Second World War layout of the site remain which, with a number of significant buildings dating back to the 1920s and '30s, indicate past and present processes of manufacturing, the necessary safety measures required and the integrated nature of the explosives and chemical industry. The narrow gauge tramway, which ran through the explosives section, was a rare survivor of nineteenth century materials-handling methods into the 21st Century. Greenwood & Batley were a large engineering manufacturer with a wide range of products, including armaments, electrical engineering, and printing and milling machinery. They also produced a range of battery-electric railway locomotives under the brand name Greenbat. The works was in Armley, Leeds, UK. Greenbat was the trade name for the railway locomotives built by Greenwood & Batley. The company specialised in electric locomotives, particularly battery-powered types for use in mines and other hazardous environments. Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge Railway - Battery Locomotive - Orica - Deer Park Munitions factory - Deep park, Victoria, Australia Battery Locomotive - made of iron puffing billy, greenbat battery loco, battery locomotive, industrial narrow gauge railway, orica - deer park munitions factory

This 2 foot 6 inch (762mm) gauge wagon was used for carrying explosives and was used with the Greenbat Battery loco. It was donated to the Walhalla Goldfields Railway on long term loan in 2013 along with a large quantity of narrow gauge trollies and light rail from Orica’s now closed munitions factory in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Orica - Deer Park Munitions factory Orica Deer Park in Melbourne’s west has been used since circa 1875 for various forms of manufacturing and storage of chemicals. Although the site is bounded by Ballarat Road, Station Street, Tilburn Road and the Western Ring Road, the current entry point for industrial operations is situated at Gate 6 of Tilburn Road. Operations include: • a specialty chemicals facility producing products for mining services operations • quarry services • other chemical manufacture activities. The Deer Park factory complex The factory complex is of historical significance for the major role it played in Australia's manufacturing and mining industries through the development of progressively more efficient and safer explosives. It also contributed to wartime production in ammunition, initiators and the development of synthetic ammonia production and construction of the Defence Explosives Annexe No 5 (later the Albion Explosives Factory) during World War Two. The factory complex is also of technical significance for the unusual and specialised design of many of the buildings and structures, both in the layout of the works and the individual design of buildings. Blast protection and safety measures such as mounds around the buildings, 'cleanways' and buffer zones between production areas were employed extensively. A characteristic of many production buildings was the elimination of cavities where explosive compounds could lodge. The combination of concrete barriers and light-weight construction was designed to direct explosion debris away from operators or other buildings. The narrow gauge tramway, which ran through the explosives section, is a rare survivor of nineteenth century materials-handling methods. Historic - Industrial Narrow Gauge Railway - Wagon for carrying Explosives at the Orica - Deer Park Munitions factory, Deer park, Victoria, Australia Wagon for carrying explosives made from Timber and steelwagon for carrying explosives, puffing billy, industrial narrow gauge railway, orica - deer park munitions factory, explosives wagon

O.F.M. was the ORDNANCE FACTORY MARIBYRNONG. Up to the end of June 1943 and at a time when the wages were about £5 ($10) to £6 ($12) per week Australia had spent £1,106,000,000 (£156 per head) on the war effort. A lot of the money was spent at home in making war necessities such as armaments, munitions, boots, clothing, and in providing special training. Significant increases in numbers occurred in the personnel employed in the fighting services, and also in the work force involved in the war effort. During the financial year 1942-1943 the war cost Australia £561,743,000 (over a billion dollars), while the Income Tax raised from individuals totalled only 16.5% of this amount. To finance the war the Australian government had previously borrowed money from the public, and from institutions such as the savings banks, friendly societies, and life assurance societies, by running three successfully subscribed Liberty Loans. The institutions had contributed considerably more money to these Liberty Loans than the public, however it can be argued that the public members of these institutions had also contributed some money indirectly. The 4th Liberty Loan which opened on 5 October 1943 and closed on 9 November 1943 was intended to raise £125,000,000, with the government aiming for 750,000 subscribers. Bonds costing £10 each could be bought on a time payment scheme. A total of £126,408,000 was raised at two different interest rates and maturity dates, however the number of subscribers had only reached 567,533. Some newspaper reports of the time indicate that the low number of subscribers was a partial failure of the loan, because spare money in the community could lead to inflation at a time when goods were in short supply. The government set target quotas on how much money should ideally be raised in a particular district, and how many subscribers should ideally take part. Often these quotas proved to be excessive. The Special Red Pennant Award as given to the No 1 FORGE O.F.M. was normally for achieving the highest per capita contribution within each particular group. What is unknown at this stage is what other entities were in the same group, or how large the group was. There were other variations of the awards such as those given to country districts, where a star was placed on the left hand corner of the pennant if the money quota was reached, while two or three stars indicated that the quota was doubled or tripled. A bar was also included on the pennant if the quota of subscribers was achieved, while two bars indicated double the quota of subscribers. The above information was sourced from Trove newspaper articles at: (1) http://nla.gov.au.nla.news-article70439716, (2) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141292541, (3) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11797265, (4) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11788072, and from (5) http://static.awm.gov.au/images/collection/pdf/RCDIG1070158--1-.PDF (see page 580).This framed award has significance in that it serves as a historic reminder that the No 1 Forge O.F.M. and the Ordnance Factory Maribyrnong once existed within the Shire of Braybrook, and later the City of Sunshine, and that it was involved in the manufacture of ordnance for World War 2. It also serves as a historic reminder that it costs a huge amount of money for a country to be involved in a major war, and that a big contribution is required from the public to raise money and to produce goods for the war effort.Permanently sealed brown stained wood frame with a glass face. Enclosed behind the glossy glass is a triangular shaped pennant made of red felt material. The red colour appears to be somewhat faded. The inscriptions and markings on the pennant are in blue, gold, and white coloured inks.The AUSTRALIAN COAT OF ARMS diagram plus the following writing: SPECIAL AWARD / 4th LIBERTY LOAN / Oct.-Nov. 1943 / No 1 FORGE O.F.M.4th liberty loan, special award, ordnance factory maribyrnong, no 1 forge o.f.m., oct - nov 1943, red pennant

Galt Mfg Co in Canada produced shell percussion caps for allied munitions during WWI. This cap would have been attached to the end of a shell and provided the ignition to cause the shell to explode. It has a small arrow in a circle on the base which indicates use in the Australian Military.This object can tell the story of allied war production, showing that it was produced in Canada and used in Australian munitions. Brass shell fuse, rounded pyramid in shape.m Has multiple sections and a ring of measurements around the circumference. Lighter coloured cap on the top. Has a number of holes on the surface.Underneath: Galt Around the cirumference: DC, and measurements 1-22 cmgalt, shell, percusssion, cap, munition, brass, manufacturing, war, wwi

Appears to be a gas mask made in 1939 for protection against possible gas attack in World War II. Unknown provenance. Willow, the manufacturer of the metal canister, is an Australian family owned and run business, since 1887 and based in Melbourne. From their website: "During the second World War the factories almost exclusively produced munitions, working two shifts. They mainly made mess tins, rocket cylinder covers, small arms ammunition boxes, gas mask respirator cylinders and soldier’s cake tins."An example of war time equipment for personal protection.Rubber face mask with hose to a metal cannister.On the base of the metal cannister: "No. 4A / Willow / 1939 / WAD 8". equipment, world war two, mask