Showing 27 items
matching bardia
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Lara RSL Sub Branch
Newspaper - The Sun Newspaper - Special - Dated - 6/1/1941 My War Part 12 - Bardia At Mercy of A.I.F, The Sun NewsPaper Special - Dated 6/1/1941 - Victory At Bardia - Australians in Van Of Attack
Local Newspaper reporting on events of World War 2 dated 6/1/1941 = Victory At Bardia - Australians in Van Of AttackLocal Newspaper reporting on events during World War 2Local Newspaper reporting on events of World War 2 - Special - My War Part 12 - Dated 6/1/1941Enemy wilts Before Bayonets - Victory At Bardia - Australians in Van Of Attackvictory at bardia - australians in van of attack, local newspaper dated 6/1/1041 -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Painting - Artwork- Print, Bardia (action leading to the fall of Post 11)
Painting depicts a significant action carried out by the 2/6th Battalion, an anticedent unit of 5/6 RVRLarge framed print of painting by Ivor Hele shows 17 Platoon 2/6th Infantry Battalion in an Italian trench during the attack on Bardia. The painting depicts the scene after the capture of one of the Italian dugouts by Corporal Brian Latham's Section. The print is in a large mahogany coloured frame and has a matt finish to the picture. A smaller, separate frame sits below the print and contains the history of the painting. it is in a matching frame and has an olive card backing and the story is printed on an off white sheet.A manufacturers label is located on the obverse " GRAPHIC IMPRESSIONS 239 Burwood Road Hawthorn Vic. 3122 Telephone 9819 5800 76 Harold Street Camberwell Vic 3123 Telephoneww2, 5/6rvr, 2/6th australian infantry battalion, bardia, ivor hele -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Print - Reproduction, framed, Bardia (action leading to the fall of Post 11)
Ivor Hele was the Australian official war artist of World War II. This painting depicts the members of 17 platoon 2nd/6th Battalions in their first action of the war. their mission was to "attack and capture Post 11" in order to provide a faint or diversionary attack for the brigades main penetration. The attack was pressed home with the characteristic vigour of Australian soldiers Prior to the attack the commanding officer demanded that " No matter what happens to us, when we go forward we shall give the enemy such a thrashing that they will never willingly stand up to an assault by Australian Infantry again." The Battalion succeeded in its mission and went on to play a vital role in many of the most arduous battles of the war. This painting depicts the actions of one of the predecessor units to 5/6 RVR. Large framed print of painting by Ivor Hele shows 17 Platoon 2/6th Infantry Battalion in an Italian trench during the attack on Bardia. The painting depicts the scene after the capture of one of the Italian dugouts by Corporal Brian Latham's Section. The print is in a large mahogany coloured frame and has a matt finish to the picture. A smaller, separate frame sits below the print and contains the history of the painting. it is in a matching frame and has an olive card backing and the story is printed on an off white sheet. A manufacturers label is located on the obverse " GRAPHIC IMPRESSIONS 239 Burwood Road Hawthorn Vic. 3122 Telephone 9819 5800 76 Harold Street Camberwell Vic 3123 Telephone bardia, 2/6th australian infantry battalion, ww2, ivor hele, wark vc club -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Newspaper - My War Part 12 The Sun Newspaper dated 6/1/1941 - Bardia at Mercy of A.I.F, The Sun Newspaper dated 6/1/1941 - Bardia at Mercy of A.I.F
Australians at War reported by local Newspaper - The SunThe Sun Newspaper dated 6/1/1941 Bardia at Mercy of A.I.F., Enemy wilts Before Bayonets - Australians in Van of Attack -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, 16 Bardia St, Ringwood, 12th Aug 1991, 1991
Digital photograph -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Mullum Mullum Creek near Bardia Street, Ringwood on 10 September 1989
Digital photograph -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Bardia Street, Ringwood at the Mullum Mullum Creek end on 10 September 1989
Digital photograph -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Mullum Mullum Creek near end of Bardia Street, Ringwood on 10 September 1989
Digital photograph -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, The Army Doctrine Centre HQ TRG Cmd, Still the Same. Reflections on Active Service From Bardia to Baidia, 1996
Book, soft cover, 280 pages, illustrated black & white photos & maps. Front cover of orange appearance, images of barbed wire, modern soldier in DPU uniform & Stehyr Rifle silhouettes of 2 WWI Diggers in slouch hats in background.Written inside front cover: P Chapmanbooks, military history -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Garth Pratten et al, Still the same: Reflections on active service from Bardia to Baidoa, 1996
War is a noisy, confusing and frightening experience and it is the job of the soldier, usually against better judgement to walk through this storm and secure victory.Index, appendix, ill (b/w) (maps)non-fictionWar is a noisy, confusing and frightening experience and it is the job of the soldier, usually against better judgement to walk through this storm and secure victory. war - psychological aspects, military art and science - australia -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Minefield Warning Flag
German Luftwaffe (Land Forces) minefield warning flag from WWII.originally intended to be gas markers, rather than mines, but as it turned out, the use changed .they were mounted on a red metal pole & there were 12 to a set in a leather pack. This Flag was presented to the Treasurer of Waverley RSL. It is a souvenir from Bardia in Libya The Battle of Bardia was fought over three days between 3 and 5 January 1941, as part of Operation Compass, the first military operation of the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War. It was the first battle of the war in which an Australian Army formation took part, the first to be commanded by an Australian general and the first to be planned by an Australian staff. Major General Iven Mackay's 6th Division assaulted the strongly held Italian fortress of Bardia, Libya, assisted by air support and naval gunfire, and under the cover of an artillery barrage. The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked at dawn from the west, where the defences were known to be weak. Sappers blew gaps in the barbed wire with Bangalore torpedoes and filled in and broke down the sides of the anti-tank ditch with picks and shovels. This allowed the infantry and 23 Matilda II tanks of the 7th Royal Tank Regiment to enter the fortress and capture all their objectives, along with 8,000 prisoners. In the second phase of the operation, the 17th Infantry Brigade exploited the breach made in the perimeter, and pressed south as far as a secondary line of defences known as the Switch Line. On the second day, the 16th Infantry Brigade captured the township of Bardia, cutting the fortress in two. Thousands of prisoners were taken, and the Italian garrison now held out only in the northern and southernmost parts of the fortress. On the third day, the 19th Infantry Brigade advanced south from Bardia, supported by artillery and the Matilda tanks, now reduced in number to just six. Its advance allowed the 17th Infantry Brigade to make progress as well, and the two brigades reduced the southern sector of the fortress. Meanwhile, the Italian garrisons in the north surrendered to the 16th Infantry Brigade and the Support Group of the British 7th Armoured Division outside the fortress. In all, some 36,000 Italian prisoners were taken. The victory at Bardia enabled the Allied forces to continue the advance into Libya and ultimately capture almost all of Cyrenaica. In turn this would lead to German intervention in the fighting in North Africa, changing the nature of the war in that theatre. Bardia boosted the competence and reputation of the Australian Army. Perhaps most important of all, it raised confidence in the possibility of an ultimate Allied victory around the world, which would lead to the Lend-Lease Act being passed in the United States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_BardiaCloth Flag bearing a skull and cross Bones on a metal spike mounted on a square varnished wooden basebardia, land mine, marker flag, minefield, mustard gas -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Newspaper - Clipping, "Bardia Bill, captured gun, Tobruk, 1960s
Given to PMH&PS by the local RSL Branch on their closure in May 1998Black and white newspaper clipping on card of "Bardia Bill", a very large gun, with several soldiers . Above clipping is printed "Tobruk 1941". The frame is wooden, painted cream, biege, dark brown. Dated 1941 but probably made after 1960ssocieties clubs unions and other organisations, war - world war ii, rsl, returned services league -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Badge
Uniform cloth badge of the 63A Infantry Division "Cirene" of the Italian Army. The 63rd Infantry Division Cirene was an auto-transportable infantry division of the Italian Army during World War II. The Cirene Division was formed 1 October 1937 and destroyed 5 January 1941 in Bardia. The Australians captured Bardia on 5 January, 1941, taking 45,000 prisoners and 462 guns for a loss of 130 dead and 326 wounded of their own.The 63rd Infantry Division Cirene was an auto-transportable infantry division of the Italian Army during World War II. The Cirene Division was formed 1 October 1937 and destroyed 5 January 1941 in Bardia. small red cloth with gold thread insigniaDivisione 63A "Cirene"battle of bardia, ww2, italian army -
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Queen's Colour - 11th Australian Infantry Regiment (Perth Regiment)
This former King's Colour was originally authorised by King George V in 1919 in recognition of services of 11th Battalion (AIF) during the Great War. Presented by HE the Governor General Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson, PC, CGMG at a parade in King's Park on 2 October 1920 and handed over to 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment (Perth Regiment) of the Citizen Forces. In 1921 this unit became re-designated 11th Battalion (The Perth Regiment) (The title was changed to "The City of Perth Regiment" in 1933). Subsequently consecrated by the Chaplain General, Archbishop COL Riley, OBE, VD, DD at a parade on the Esplanade, Perth, 15 November 1924. At the time of presentation this colour was a plain union flag with no central devices or other distinctions included on it. Following Military Board approval given in 1925 the centre circle and Crown were later added, in accordance with the approved design for a King's Colour. With the re-activation of the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) following the Second World War, the 11th/44th Infantry Battalion (The City of Perth Regiment) was raised as a linked battalion in 1948 to carry on the identity and traditions of the pre-war 11th and 44th Battalions respectively. The King's and Regimental Colours formerly held by these two battalions were passed on to the new battalion who paraded them in rotation on ceremonial occasions. With the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1953, all Colours that had originally been presented as King's Colours, and were still carried by units on the current Order of Battle, were automatically deemed to be Queen's Colours. Under major reorganisation of the CMF in 1960, all individual infantry battalions that existed at the time within each State were amalgamated to form State regiments, taking effect from 1 July 1960. Thus from that date the 11/44th, 16th and 28th Infantry Battalions were amalgamated to form The Royal Western Australia Regiment. In September 1960, at a ceremonial parade held at Northam Camp, the Colours carried by all former battalions were handed over for safe keeping by the new regiment. Battle Honours for the Second World War were promulgated under Australian Army Order 135/1961 and the 10 selected honours approved for emblazoning on the Queen's Colour were subsequently added in 1962 These former colours were subsequently laid up in the undercroft at the State War Memorial, King's Park on 29 November 1964. These were transferred to the Army Museum of WA in 1988 as part of the Bicentenary Colours Project. Union flag with gold fringes. In the centre the Arabic numeral "11" on a red background within a gold circle inscribed "ELEVENTH INFANTRY - PERTH REGIMENT", surmounted by the Crown. Emblazoned on the colour are the following Second World War Battle Honours:- BARDIA 1941, CAPTURE OF TOBRUK, DERNA, BRALLOS PASS, RETIMO, LIBERATION OF AUSTRALIAN NEW GUINEA, MATAPAU, ABAU-MALIN, WEWAK, WIRUI MISSION -
St Kilda Historical Society
Ephemera - Invitation, Film screening, 1941
Invitation/ticket and program for a screening of Sound Films made available by the Department of Information, held at St Kilda Town Hall on 12 November 1941. The films were of events in Tobruk, Bardia, Greece, Syria and Britain. Also during the evening, musical performances were provided by Amelia Scarce, J Alexander Browne, and City Organist Arnold Colman. Admission was free but donations were sought for the St Kilda Patriotic Society.Grey coloured card, folded and perforated at the fold and printed in bluecity of st kilda, wwii fund-raising, st kilda patriotic society, amelia scarce, j alexander browne, arnold colman -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, SGT A R Wills
Image of burial site of Sgt Albert Robert WILLS born 16.11.1917 at Bendigo -VX 5275 He enlisted in 1939 embarked on HMT 'Ettrick" on 14/4/1940 after basic training at Puckapunyal. Disembarked in Egypt on 18/5/1940 and saw action at Bardia, Greece and Syria. Spent time in Lebanon and Ceylon before returning to Australia on 4/8/1942. On 13/10/42 disembarked at Milne Bay New Guinea and took part in the battle for Wau securing the airstrip and surrounding area after heavy fighting. Between 6-9 Feb 2/5 Bn C and D companies supported by A company spearheaded the attack engaged and defeated the enemy thus ending the battle of Wau Sgt WILLS was one of 28 men killed in action in the Crystal Creek area on 7/2/1943 and is buried at Lae War Cemetery. Black and white image of grave with white cross Cof E VX 5275 SGT A R WILLS 2/5 Aust. Inf. Bn. 7.2.43 Rear is stamped with Photograph supplied by Directorate of Graves Registration Victoria Barracks Melbourne - Buried at Laea.r. wills, vx 5275, 2/5th aust. inf. bn, new guinea -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Letter, 2/5 Australian Infantry Battalion Assoc, 2000
Letter lists the service history of Sgt A R WILLS VX 5275 2/5 Infantry Battalion. He enlisted in 1939 embarked on HMT 'Ettrick" on 14/4/1940 after basic training at Puckapunyal. Disembarked in Egypt on 18/5/1940 and saw action at Bardia, Greece and Syria. Spent time in Lebanon and Ceylon before returning to Australia on 4/8/1942. On 13/10/42 disembarked at Milne Bay New Guinea and took part in the battle for Wau securing the airstrip and surrounding area after heavy fighting. Between 6-9 Feb 2/5 Bn C and D companies supported by A company spearheaded the attack engaged and defeated the enemy thus ending the battle of Wau Sgt WILLS was one of 28 men killed in action in the Crystal Creek area on 7/2/1943 and is buried at Lae War Cemetery.Letter consisting of letterhead above black typing on white paperAt top 2/5 Australian Infantry Battalion Association 1939-1945 Dated 27 April 2000 At bottom "Sans regret"a r wills, 2/5th aust. inf. bn, lae, new guinea, battle for wau, kia, crystal creek -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Equipment - Mess Kit, S&H Ltd, 1938
This mess tin belonged to MELIA JAMES HENRY : Service Number - VX18960 : Date of birth - 08 Oct 1900 : Place of birth - WARRINGTON ENGLAND : Place of enlistment - CAULFIELD VIC : Next of Kin - CHURTON MARGARET The mess tin was manufactured by Sellman & Hill (S&H) Ltd from Wolverhampton. British aluminum mess tins were used by most of the Empire early in the war. A new pattern of mess tin was developed for the Web Equipment 1937 Pattern, which was a nested, two-piece rectangular mess tin with long, folding handles. Mess tins were used to prepare or heat food but they were also used as a container from which to eat and drink. The tins were lightweight and sturdy but they became hot very quickly when heated. Mess kit consisting of two pieces: One rectangular aluminium mess tin from WWII with multiple hand-carved inscriptions on outside indicating owner and locations he was stationed in 1940 and 1941. Welded handle attachment, although handle itself is missing. There is also a small, flat bottomed aluminium cup.Multiple hand-carved inscriptions on three external sides of the mess tin: Side one: "1940 Palestine / Egypt / VX18960 / Dvr Melia. J / AASC / 1941 Libya" Side two: " BARDIA / GREECE / TOBRUK" Side three: " Gaza / Beit Jerga / Kfar Vitkin / jaff / TEL-AVIV / Jerusalem / Nazareth / Haifa" Manufacturer's hallmark stamped on side four: "S.&H. LTD / 1938" and below that a stamp of an arrow pointing upmess tin, aluminium mess tin, wwii, wwii mess tin, sellman & hill, british mess tin -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Pamphlet, Ringwood Walk - Points of Historical Interest, 1979
Sketch of walking route for 17 historical points of interest organised by the Ringwood Historical Society for St. Paul's Church Centenary Celebrations - 14 October 1979, estimated duration 2-1/4hours.1 - Start 2 - Cnr Braeside Avenue, old township, brickworks 1881-1916, Guests, Herrys, Hills 3 - Club Hotel, Ringwood Hall, 1st site of C of E church corner 4 - Ringwood Lake, Anthony Ford - pioneer 5 - Opposite Bardia Street, Sandy Gully, Duncan's Hotel 6 - Opposite Pratt Street, 2nd site of C of E, 2nd fire station, Bentleys, old shopping centre 7 - Warrandyte Road, Former Clocktower site, Pratts butcher shop, Bamfords 8 - End of Pitt Street, building viaduct 9 - Bedford Road, Webdales, old crossing, railway station 10 - Station Street, views over railways 11 - Station entrance, old shopping centre, 2nd Postoffice, 2nd blacksmiths, Mechanics Institute, Town Hall 12 - Clocktower, 3rd State School, coolstores, 3rd Postoffice, market, Kenworthys 13 - Opposite market, 3rd site of C of E, Ringwood views 14 - Adelaide Street, Dickens, 1st fire station, Ringwood Reserve 15 - Opposite squash courts, Matlocks, Salvation Army 16 - Opposite library, bowling club, old baths 17 - Outside C of E, Ringwood views, Brittens, Glamorgan -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, NAVY WW2, c.WWII
Photographs collected by Earnest Albert Simmons W/2129 Royal Australian Navy. Enlisted 30 June 1941 and discharged 14 October 1946 with the rank of Leading Stoker. Posting at discharge was HMAS Lonsdale..1) Ship .2) Submarine conning tower .3) Ship .4) Hospital ship .5) Ship at anchor .6) Launch at ships side .7) Ships at anchor .8) Sunken ship .9) Ship .10) Group on launch .11) Ship firing a broadside .12) Wooden sailing vessel .13) Ship .14) Ship .15) Pilot station .16) Ship .17) Ship .18) Ship.s deck and biplane .19) Partially sunken ship .20) Two ships .21) Ship .22) Ship - damaged .23) Ship .24) Statue and colonade .25) Searchlights .26) Ships deck at sea .27) Aircraft .28) Ship .29) Ship .30) Troop ship .31) Swimmers at ships side .32) Ship .33) Ship .34) Ship deck at sea .35) Ship .36) Submarine .37) Ship .38) Ship .39) Ship .40) Two ships at sea .41) Ship .42) Aircraft carrier .43) Ships symbol .44) Sketch of Berbera .45) Sketch of biplanes .46) Boat at pier .47) Tug boat .48) Ship .49) Ship at wharf .50) Ships at wharf .51) Aircraft carrier .52) Ship .53) Ship at wharf .54) Ships at wharf .55) Ship .56) Two ships .57) Tug boat .58) Diagram comparing the size of two ships .59) Ship sailing past lighthouse .60) Postcard HMAS "Stuart". .1) Hobart and Glascow at Colombo .2) British submarine returning to Alexandria after claiming a victory - note Skull and X Bones .3) HMS Glascow at Colombo .4) Ex Italian hospital ship taken over by British. RAMB II .5) HMS Exeter .6) The landing party returning .7) Part fleet at Colombo .8) British ammunition ship sunk by sabotage in Alex Harbour .9) HMS Exeter .10) On the approach of the island. Note twin Lewis guns .11) HMS Ajax bombarding Bardia .12) A native boat used along coasts and Indian Ocean .13) RMS Georgie refoated at Pt? 1941 .14) HMS Carthage .15) Pilot station at Colombo .16) Aquitania .17) Ajax on patrol with Hobart and battle fleet .18) Hobart rolling in the Bight .19) HMS Gnat (river gun boat) hit by torpedo at Tobruk .20) - .21) Mauritania .22) Italian cruiser sunk by HMAS Sydney .23) Greek destroyer .24) Memorial of Mohomed Pasha Alexandria. Presented by Musso .25) Searchlight at Alexandria .26) Hobart pile driving in heavy weather .27) Lockheed Hudson dive bombing .28) - .29) HMS Galatea? x 1 turret at stern .30) Troops on Aquitania .31) Boys swimming in the middle lakes at Ismalia in the centre of Sues Canal .32) A water NG ? .33) - .34) Hobart striking heavy weather .35) HMS Jupiter .36) British submarine entering Alex .37) Queen Mary .38) Queen Elizabeth .39) Nieuw Amsterdam .40) - .41) Achilles .42) HMS Aircraft carrier - Illustrious .43) Symbol of Hobart's Pom-Pom .44) - .45) - .46) - .47) - .48) Mohoja and Oronties .49) Mohoja .50) - .51) - .52) HMAS Murchison 1954 .53) Strathmore .54) - .55) - .56 - .57 - .58) HMAS Vendetta .59) HMAS Cowra .60) - photographs, ran, hmas -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book - 6th Div, Shawn OLeary, To The Green Fields Beyond:The story of the 6th Division Cavalry Commandos
The comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollnon-fictionThe comprehensive history of the 6th Australian Division Cavalry Commandos – a (now out of print) reprint of one of the rarer Armoured unit history books. This is the story of one of Australia’s most famous fighting regiments during World War II. As an armoured cavalry unit it fought the Italians and Germans in the sands of the African desert and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later as a dismounted commando unit it fought the Japanese in the terrifying jungles of New Guinea. The heroism of the men in its ranks and the actions in which they engaged are portrayed in a way which makes battle deeds leap realistically from the pages. “To The Green Fields Beyond” is a documented and detailed book which is of value to everyone who is interested in Australia’s story. Seldom before has such a contribution been made to record of our national history. The book has been approved and sponsored by the Australian War Memorial. The 6th Division Cavalry Regiment was formed in November 1939 and, just two months later, was sent overseas to the Middle East in January 1940. Arriving in Egypt, the regiment immediately went to Palestine, where it joined the rest of the 6th Division and trained using machine-gun carriers and, from October, six old Vickers light tanks. At the end of the year the regiment moved into the Western Desert, where it joined British forces ready for the major offensive to commence on 9 December. Two days later the regiment became the first unit of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to go into action when one of its squadron fought a sharp action against the Italians holding Garn el Grein and Fort Maddalina on 11 and 12 December. By 21 December British forces had captured Sidi Barrrani and the desert was now open for the 6th Division’s advance along the Libyan coast. On 3 January 1941 the division attacked and captured the Italian fort of Bardia. The regiment’s A Squadron, under the command of Major Denzil Macarthur-Onslow, who went on to command the 4th Armoured Brigade, supported the attack. Tobruk was the next Italian fort to be captured, with the regiment again in support and covering the 19th Brigade’s advance. The regiment, though, was under-equipped and without its full compliment of vehicles, using only machine gun carriers. To compensate for this, A Squadron was parity re-equipped with captured Italian light tanks, which had large kangaroos painted on the hulls and turrets to distinguish them from enemy vehicles. After Tobruk, the regiment was used as part of the advance guard in the capture of Derna and then Benghazi. In April the unit moved to Helwan, where it was equipped with Vickers light tanks and machine-gun carriers, and operated with British troops in capturing Sollum. Towards the end of May the regiment moved to Palestine, where it came under the command of the 7th Division for the imminent invasion of Syria. The regiment experienced its heaviest fighting during the Syrian campaign, which began on 7 June. A Squadron was attached to the 21st Brigade and advanced along the coast, where the rugged hills made it difficult to manoeuvre the tanks and carriers. The squadron was relieved by one of the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment’s squadrons on 13 and 14 June. C Squadron, meanwhile, was with the 25th Brigade, and advanced along the Rosh Pinna road, engaging strong enemy defences at Fort Khirbe. C Squadron was relieved by B Squadron, which was later attacked by Vichy French tanks that were supported by heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, which forced the Australians to withdrawal. Always willing or needing to improvise during the campaign, A and B Squadrons both operated three captured French R35 Renault light tanks, while C Squadron provided personnel for a horse troop, quickly nicknamed the “Kelly Gang”, to patrol the high, rugged hills near the Mardjayoun–Banis Road. The regiment remained in Syria as part of the occupation force and returned to Australia in March 1942. It was sent to the Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory, and then later to Murgon, in Queensland. In 1943 and 1944 divisional cavalry regiments were reorganised into cavalry (commando) regiments. In January 1944 the 6th Division Cavalry Regiment became the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. The regiment lost its vehicles and became the administrative headquarters for the 2/7th, 2/9th, and 2/10th Commando Squadrons. The regiment remained with the 6th Division and participated in the Aitpae–Wewak campaign, in New Guinea, during 1945. Includes Nominal Rollww2, australian commandos, australian special forces, world war 2 -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Australian War Memorial, To Benghazi, 1952
Between the wars A second A.I.F. The volunteers To the Middle East After the fall of France Victory at Sidi Barrani Before Bardia The battle of Bardia The capture of Tobruk The engagement at Derna Beda Fomm and Benghazi The capture of Giarabub Appendixes : 1. The A.I.F. in the United Kingdom ; 2. The 6th Division's operation order for the capture of Bardia ; 3. Abbreviations ; 4. A.I.F. colour patches, 1941.Index, ill, maps, p.336.non-fictionBetween the wars A second A.I.F. The volunteers To the Middle East After the fall of France Victory at Sidi Barrani Before Bardia The battle of Bardia The capture of Tobruk The engagement at Derna Beda Fomm and Benghazi The capture of Giarabub Appendixes : 1. The A.I.F. in the United Kingdom ; 2. The 6th Division's operation order for the capture of Bardia ; 3. Abbreviations ; 4. A.I.F. colour patches, 1941. world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - north africa, world war 1939-1945 - australian involvement -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Falconer, G.J, A Little Bit of Bitter. (Copy 1)
The author joined the Australian Regular Army in 1966. After initial ten weeks recruit training at Kapooka, went to Infantry centre, Bardia Barracks at Ingleburn to complete ten weeks of Corps TrainingThe author joined the Australian Regular Army in 1966. After initial ten weeks recruit training at Kapooka, went to Infantry centre, Bardia Barracks at Ingleburn to complete ten weeks of Corps Trainingvietnam war, 1961-1975 - poetry, war poetry - australian -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Falconer, G.J, The Funny Side of Nam: Poems of Vietnam (Copy 2)
The author joined the Australian Regular Army in 1966. After initial ten weeks recruit training at Kapooka, went to Infantry centre, Bardia Barracks at Ingleburn to complete ten weeks of Corps TrainingThe author joined the Australian Regular Army in 1966. After initial ten weeks recruit training at Kapooka, went to Infantry centre, Bardia Barracks at Ingleburn to complete ten weeks of Corps Trainingvietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - poetry -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Falconer, G.J, A Little Bit of Bitter (Copy 2)
The author joined the Australian Regular Army in 1966. After initial ten weeks recruit training at Kapooka, went to Infantry centre, Bardia Barracks at Ingleburn to complete ten weeks of Corps TrainingThe author joined the Australian Regular Army in 1966. After initial ten weeks recruit training at Kapooka, went to Infantry centre, Bardia Barracks at Ingleburn to complete ten weeks of Corps Trainingvietnam war, 1961-1975 - poetry, war poetry - australian -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Falconer, G.J, The Funny Side of Nam: Poems of Vietnam (Copy 1)
The author joined the Australian Regular Army in 1966. After initial ten weeks recruit training at Kapooka, went to Infantry centre, Bardia Barracks at Ingleburn to complete ten weeks of Corps TrainingThe author joined the Australian Regular Army in 1966. After initial ten weeks recruit training at Kapooka, went to Infantry centre, Bardia Barracks at Ingleburn to complete ten weeks of Corps Trainingvietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - poetry -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Australian War Memorial, To Benghazi, 1953
Between the wars A second A.I.F. The volunteers To the Middle East After the fall of France Victory at Sidi Barrani Before Bardia The battle of Bardia The capture of Tobruk The engagement at Derna Beda Fomm and Benghazi The capture of Giarabub Appendixes : 1. The A.I.F. in the United Kingdom ; 2. The 6th Division's operation order for the capture of Bardia ; 3. Abbreviations ; 4. A.I.F. colour patches, 1941.Index, ill, maps, p.312.non-fictionBetween the wars A second A.I.F. The volunteers To the Middle East After the fall of France Victory at Sidi Barrani Before Bardia The battle of Bardia The capture of Tobruk The engagement at Derna Beda Fomm and Benghazi The capture of Giarabub Appendixes : 1. The A.I.F. in the United Kingdom ; 2. The 6th Division's operation order for the capture of Bardia ; 3. Abbreviations ; 4. A.I.F. colour patches, 1941. world war 1939-1945 - australia, world war 1939-1945 - campaigns - north africa