Copies of newspaper articles copied from "The Evelyn Observer" with dates. Includes some news reports but mostly letters from soldiers. Names include W. J. Beard of Research E. Andrew of Eltham Private S. Harris (Kangaroo Ground, Queenstown and Kinglake) E. Payne (Whittlesea) W Reid of (Hazelglen) W. J. Capewell (Eltham)Various un-numbered pages held in place housed in yellow folder. Photo of soldier on a horse on the cover. No caption but probably Private/Trooper Shelley Harris of Kinglake, Bushmen's Corp. Boer Warevelyn observer, boer war, letters, world war 1

Front - Good luck to the Australian Bushmans Contingent 1900. Rear - To aid the NS Patriotic Fund Transvaal War Souveneirephemera, boer war-home, army

Ostrich eggs were a novelty item found in many homes in the 19th and early 20th centuries, though in Australian homes they were more likely to be emu eggs. Some ostrich eggs may have been brought to Australia from South Africa after the Boer War or purchased by travellers to foreign lands at other times. This ostrich egg has no known provenance.This ostrich egg has been in the collection of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society for 45 years and the only known connection it has to Warrnambool is seen in the fact that the donor was Mrs Uebergang and the Uebergang name is well-known in our district as the Uebergangs were pioneering settlers in the Allansford/ Warrnambool area. This is a cream-coloured ostrich egg resting in a circular cavity in the centre of a rectangular wooden frame. The egg has a small hole on the top and has paintings of an African woman and child on one side of the egg and huts with palm trees on the other side. history of warrnambool, ostrich eggs, painted ostrich egg

There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. Between 1899 and 1902, around 16,500 Australians served in South Africa during the Boer War. This was the largest international deployment of troops from the Australian Colonies before Australian Federation. Of the 16,500 men who served in South Africa, 606 were killed in action or died of diseases. The Australian War Memorial records that the fighting conditions in South Africa extremely hard on men and horses. Australians fighting in South Africa were doing so as part of Colony based Regiments such as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, New South Wales Lancers, Queensland Mounted Infantry as well as units from the other states. Australians were awarded six Victoria Crosses during the campaign along with many other decorations. In May of 1902 the treaty of Vereeniging was signed officially ending the Boer War. The Boer War is commemorated in many Towns and Cities around Australia. The Lara RSL Sub Branch holds some memorabilia from the Boer War. There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. He was a resident of Lara and was a member of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles. It was reported that he carried this flag into battle. The Lara RSL also holds the flag staff of the China, South African and Old Veterans Association. Both these items are of national significance. Both the flag and flag staff were used in marches in Geelong each year until 1916 when Anzac Day commenced. The flag and flag staff were donated to the Lara RSL sub Branch when he joined in 1928. Fredrick James Smith was born at Lara in 1879, the son of Mr/Mrs Smith from Lara. He was a farm hand from Horton Vale, Anakie when he joined F Company of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles at the beginning of February 1901. Two weeks later, he left for South Africa on the 15th February. Before leaving, he purchased the flag from W. Libby & Son Geelong. Frederick Left for South Africa on the 15 February 1901 on the Orient. He saw service between March 1901 - March 1902 in east Transvaal and Natal frontier under the British Major General S. Beatson then Pulteney, including the defeat at Wilmansrust where 18 soldiers were killed and 42 wounded (12th June 1901 - heaviest casualties of any Australian contingent,); and the successful intervention at Onverwacht on the 4th January 1902. The 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles suffered: 36 killed or died of wounds, 13 died of disease of a contingent of 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks and 1099 horses. They returned to Australia on the 26th April 1902 on the Custodian after sailing from Point Natal in South Africa on the 5th April. On his return, Tropper Smith (Saddler Private) joined the South African Soldiers Association of Victoria – Geelong Branch, and after 1928, he joined the Lara RSL. He was buried in Western Cemetery on the 19th June 1968 at the age of 89. Enrolled February 1901 Departed for South Africa on 15 February 1901 Establishment: 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks with 1099 horses Mobilised at Pretoria: 24 March -- 4 April 1901 Typical company: 1 Captain, 4 Lieutenants, 1 company sergeant-major, 1 company quartermaster-sergeant, 1 sergeant-farrier, 1 sergeant-saddler, 5 sergeants, 6 corporals, 3 shoeing-smiths, 3 saddlers, 1 bugler, 99 privates. Total in company: 126 with 131 horses. Engagements: Rhenoster Kop, Klippan, Kornfontein, Drivelfontein, Wilmansrust, Kambuladraai, H'Lobane, Luchiel's Nek, Loch's Kraal, Vryheid, Onverwacht, Johnston Hoek Killed in action (or died): six Officers, 48 Other Ranks VC Winner: Lieut. L. C. Maygar News article Leader (Melbourne) Saturday 31st May 1902, page 42 - Dear Cinderella. — This is the second time I have written to you. I was very sorry at not seeing my first letter in "The Leader". But I hope to say, that this one will be in. The last time I wrote to you I told you that my brother (Fredrick Smith) went to the Boer War in South Africa, and that he was supposed to be killed in the Wilmansrust disaster. But this time I am going to tell you about his return, and the grand welcome he got from the residents of Lara. Mother, Father, and my Brother, went down to Melbourne, to meet the boat. You can just imagine how rejoiced we all were to see him back again. The railway station was decorated some thing beautiful with flags of all description all the colours you could think of. He has bought a lot of Boer curios home and some Kaffir bracelets. They are such funny looking things. The residents of Lara, also gave my brother a grand social and ball there were over four hundred people present, They presented him with a hand some gold chain, and locket suitably inscribed, and a pair of gold sleeve links, they were magnificent. The ball was very nice. . I had a few dances. I enjoyed myself grand. I think this is all I can tell you this time. I must conclude with love. I remain yours sincerely - BESSIE SMITH. Age 14-years. This flag is of national significance as it was used in the Boer War by Private Fredrick James Smith (SN:1229) of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles, F Company in their deployment to South Africa between 1901 and 1902. The flag was taken into the Wilmansrust engagement in which 19 soldiers died and 41 were wounded. On return to Australia, the flag was used in marches by the South Africa, China Old Veterans Association - Geelong. This flag represents a unique part of Australian history from which the movie, Breaker Morant was taken. It is of spiritual significance as the Boer War was where the first Australian received the Imperial Victoria Cross, and the spirit of Anzac was conceived, giving birth in World War 1. The Flag represents the spirit of Australians who fought and died in South Africa.Cotton Union Jack flag approx 221cm wide by 109cm tall with small repair patches and center section cotton deteriorated.Has the word "Lara" inscribed in black on bottom part of the flag heading. Has the flag makers name "W.Libby & Son" on the top part of the flag heading.boer war, union jack flag, south africa, wilmansrust, 5th victorian mounted rifles, f coy, private fredrick james smith, service number 1229, february 1901, april 1902, south africa china old veterans association

Souvenir token issued to acknowledge the return of Australian troops from the South African (Boer) War in December 1900.Two sided circular copper coloured disc struck as a souvenir to welcome home troops from the South African War. The device has a profile of a woman's head surrounded by flags & a crown. Under the head are words: British Transvaal 1899-1900. The reverse has two hands joined. Surrounded by words. A hole has been drilled in the top to take a chain.Obverse side: “British Transvaal 1899-1900” Reverse side: “Return of troops from South Africa Dec 1900. Welcome home Australians”numismatics - medals - commemorative, metalcraft - copperware, souvenir, boer war

Pyramid hill a Durham Ox. Victorians mounted Rifles stones from the Boer War in South Africa 1899 -1903 to presentation of medals 1905" compiled by margret Williamson Cindy Parker and Lisa Pickersgill while soft cover photo of memorial hall and centotaph on cover. 128 PPbooks, military history

After serving in Malta and India, he became Assistant Adjutant General at Home District in 1893. After the outbreak of the Second Boer War he was appointed Colonel commandant of the City of London Volunteers who proceeded to South Africa. This corps included infantry, mounted infantry and artillery. They were in South Africa from January 1900 until October 1900, returning to England. The corps was disbanded in December 1900. MacKinnon was awarded with the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cardsmalta, india, assistantadjutant general, second boer war, city of london volunteers, colonel, south africa

The Trustees of the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial have defined a Prisoner of War to be a person who was captured by a common enemy and/or interned in a neutral or non-combatant country. To be defined an Australian Prisoner of War, the person needs to be either an Australian Born person serving in the Uniform of an Australian Service; or in the Uniform of a friendly country, or Born Elsewhere and serving in the Uniform of an Australian Service. A Prisoner is a person who has lost personal privileges, suffers deprivation of liberty or is unable to return home or dies in captivity.Colour photograph of a War Memorial designed by Peter Blizzard. The granite wall of the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial features a listing the names of Australian Prisoners and was opened on the 6th February 2004 by General Peter Cosgrove AM MC to recognise and remember over 36,000 Australians who became Prisoners of War during the Wars of the 20th Century. In 2008 the Memorial became the First Military Memorial of National Significance outside Canberra. The Memorial which was designed by Peter Blizzard OAM, symbolises that all Australian prisoners embarked on a journey to serve away from their homeland and acknowledges the hardship, deprivation, brutality, starvation and disease endured by Prisoners of War during their capture and the scars that many continued to endure upon their repatriation to Australia. Heritage Victoria describes the memorial in the following way" "A JOURNEY OF HONOUR, REMEMBRANCE AND HEALING - The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial is a dramatic and highly symbolic tribute to the sacrifice made by more than 35,000 young Australian service men and women in four theatres of war. At the heart of the monument is a stark, 130 metre long, highly polished black granite wall, engraved with the names of all Australian prisoners of war. The names on this 'honour roll' are listed in historical order from the Boer War in 1899, through to the Korean War in 1953. It is a testament to the contribution made by so many. Standing sentinel at the centre of the Memorial are six huge basalt obelisks, etched with the names of all the countries where Australians were held prisoner of war. The obelisks stand in a large reflective pool, set back from the central pathway, symbolising the distance that separated Australia's prisoners of war from their homes and their loved ones. Opposite the pool is a larger obelisk flanked by flagpoles and a ceremonial stone on which to lay wreaths. The central pathway is itself symbolic, with each of the paving stones cut in the shape of a railway sleeper. The pathway defines 'the journey' taken by the prisoners of war and the journey visitors take around the monument. At the end of the granite wall where the pathway ends, visitors face a large stone engraved simply 'Lest We Forget'. Water flows from beneath the stone, along the base of the granite wall and into the reflection pool in which the obelisks stand. This cycle of flowing water, symbolising spirituality, healing, cleansing, birth and rebirth, guides visitors on their journey through the Memorial." ballarat, ballarat botanical gardens, peter blizzard, ballarat north gardens, war memorial, prisoner of war, prisoners of war

DESCRIPTIONColour photograph of a War Memorial designed by Peter Blizzard. The granite wall of the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial features a listing the names of Australian Prisoners and was opened on the 6th February 2004 by General Peter Cosgrove AM MC to recognise and remember over 36,000 Australians who became Prisoners of War during the Wars of the 20th Century. In 2008 the Memorial became the First Military Memorial of National Significance outside Canberra. The Memorial which was designed by Peter Blizzard OAM, symbolises that all Australian prisoners embarked on a journey to serve away from their homeland and acknowledges the hardship, deprivation, brutality, starvation and disease endured by Prisoners of War during their capture and the scars that many continued to endure upon their repatriation to Australia. Heritage Victoria describes the memorial in the following way" "A JOURNEY OF HONOUR, REMEMBRANCE AND HEALING - The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial is a dramatic and highly symbolic tribute to the sacrifice made by more than 35,000 young Australian service men and women in four theatres of war. At the heart of the monument is a stark, 130 metre long, highly polished black granite wall, engraved with the names of all Australian prisoners of war. The names on this 'honour roll' are listed in historical order from the Boer War in 1899, through to the Korean War in 1953. It is a testament to the contribution made by so many. Standing sentinel at the centre of the Memorial are six huge basalt obelisks, etched with the names of all the countries where Australians were held prisoner of war. The obelisks stand in a large reflective pool, set back from the central pathway, symbolising the distance that separated Australia's prisoners of war from their homes and their loved ones. Opposite the pool is a larger obelisk flanked by flagpoles and a ceremonial stone on which to lay wreaths. The central pathway is itself symbolic, with each of the paving stones cut in the shape of a railway sleeper. The pathway defines 'the journey' taken by the prisoners of war and the journey visitors take around the monument. At the end of the granite wall where the pathway ends, visitors face a large stone engraved simply 'Lest We Forget'. Water flows from beneath the stone, along the base of the granite wall and into the reflection pool in which the obelisks stand. This cycle of flowing water, symbolising spirituality, healing, cleansing, birth and rebirth, guides visitors on their journey through the Memorial."australian ex-prisoner of war memorial, peter blizzard, prisoner of war, ballarat north gardens

DESCRIPTIONColour photograph of a War Memorial designed by Peter Blizzard. The granite wall of the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial features a listing the names of Australian Prisoners and was opened on the 6th February 2004 by General Peter Cosgrove AM MC to recognise and remember over 36,000 Australians who became Prisoners of War during the Wars of the 20th Century. In 2008 the Memorial became the First Military Memorial of National Significance outside Canberra. The Memorial which was designed by Peter Blizzard OAM, symbolises that all Australian prisoners embarked on a journey to serve away from their homeland and acknowledges the hardship, deprivation, brutality, starvation and disease endured by Prisoners of War during their capture and the scars that many continued to endure upon their repatriation to Australia. Heritage Victoria describes the memorial in the following way" "A JOURNEY OF HONOUR, REMEMBRANCE AND HEALING - The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial is a dramatic and highly symbolic tribute to the sacrifice made by more than 35,000 young Australian service men and women in four theatres of war. At the heart of the monument is a stark, 130 metre long, highly polished black granite wall, engraved with the names of all Australian prisoners of war. The names on this 'honour roll' are listed in historical order from the Boer War in 1899, through to the Korean War in 1953. It is a testament to the contribution made by so many. Standing sentinel at the centre of the Memorial are six huge basalt obelisks, etched with the names of all the countries where Australians were held prisoner of war. The obelisks stand in a large reflective pool, set back from the central pathway, symbolising the distance that separated Australia's prisoners of war from their homes and their loved ones. Opposite the pool is a larger obelisk flanked by flagpoles and a ceremonial stone on which to lay wreaths. The central pathway is itself symbolic, with each of the paving stones cut in the shape of a railway sleeper. The pathway defines 'the journey' taken by the prisoners of war and the journey visitors take around the monument. At the end of the granite wall where the pathway ends, visitors face a large stone engraved simply 'Lest We Forget'. Water flows from beneath the stone, along the base of the granite wall and into the reflection pool in which the obelisks stand. This cycle of flowing water, symbolising spirituality, healing, cleansing, birth and rebirth, guides visitors on their journey through the Memorial."australian ex-prisoner of war memorial, prisoner of war, ballarat north gardens, peter blizzard

The South African (Boer)War 1899-1902 involved troops from the British Empire including Australia. This magazine filled a growing demand for news back home.Tho magazines published in 13 and 27 January 1900, thirty two pages of illustrations and summary of recent events in the South African (Boer) War.boer war, south artica

NSW Mounted Rifles officer's mess dress waistcoat worn by Lieutenant William Augustine Newman (1873-1955) during the Second Boer War. Born in Campbelltown, NSW, William began working in the colonial public service at the age of eighteen. In 1899 he travelled to South Africa to fight in the Second Boer War as an officer of the 1st NSW Mounted Rifles. Returning to Australia in time for Federation on 1 January 1901, William rejoined the public service and was appointed to the original staff of Prime Minister Sir Edmund Barton, attending the first opening of Federal Parliament in Melbourne as Barton's private secretary. He went on to serve as the chief clerk of the Home Affairs Department, Commonwealth Electoral Officer for Victoria and official secretary to the Governor-General. In 1927 he was appointed Administrator of Nauru, a position he occupied until his retirement at the end of 1932. He retired to Brighton, where he lived with his family at 43 Martin Street until his death in 1955.Black NSW Mounted Rifles officer's mess dress waistcoat. Black superfine wool front, with black cotton back and cream cotton lining. The neck, front and bottom front edge are edged with gold metal lace and gold cording in an Austrian knot style. Two front pockets are edged in the same looped cording. The left front opening is edged with a row of decorative gold metal studs, with hook and eye fastenings underneath.Handwritten in pen on lining: "MESS WAISTCOAT / BOER WAR / LIEUT. NEWMAN / Gift of Mrs. D. Kelly, daughter".military uniform, nsw mounted rifles, boer war, william augustine newman

Built in 1889. Was known as 'Willcyrus' during the occupancy of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) William McGregor Cairncross and family. It was named after two of his sons - Sergeant William McGregor Cairncross and Trooper Cyrus Hay Cairncross, who served with the 2nd Scottish Horse during the Boer War and in British units in the First World War. Lt Col Cairncross served at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne for 25 years. During the Boer War he was controller of stores at Victoria Barracks. It was renamed 'Medlow' when it became the home of Dr Richard Joseph Bull (1874-1927) and his wife Catherine Grace, nee Perrier (1884-1972) in 1911. Richard Joseph Bull was the Director of Bacteriology at Melbourne University. Norma was a noted artist and was born in Hawthorn in 1906; her brother Ronald Richard was born in Surrey Hills in 1912. Fundraising events were held there during the First World War. The property was left to the National Trust of Victoria but the costs of maintenance forced the Trust to sell it and it has returned to private ownership.A coloured photograph of the west side of a rendered two storey building. There are well established trees in the garden.medlow, house names, warrigal road, surrey hills, (mrs) catherine bull, (miss) norma bull, house styles, late victorian boom style, (miss) catherine perrier, (mr) (dr) richard joseph bull, (mr) ronald joseph bull, (lt) (col) (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) cyrus hay cairncross, willcyrus, garden parties, fundraising, world war, 1914-1918

Built in 1889. Was known as 'Willcyrus' during the occupancy of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) William McGregor Cairncross and family. It was named after two of his sons - Sergeant William McGregor Cairncross and Trooper Cyrus Hay Cairncross, who served with the 2nd Scottish Horse during the Boer War and in British units in the First World War. Lt Col Cairncross served at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne for 25 years. During the Boer War he was controller of stores at Victoria Barracks. It was renamed 'Medlow' when it became the home of Dr Richard Joseph Bull (1874-1927) and his wife Catherine Grace, nee Perrier (1884-1972) in 1911. Richard Joseph Bull was the Director of Bacteriology at Melbourne University. Norma was a noted artist and was born in Hawthorn in 1906; her brother Ronald Richard was born in Surrey Hills in 1912. Fundraising events were held there during the First World War. The property was left to the National Trust of Victoria but the costs of maintenance forced the Trust to sell it and it has returned to private ownership.A coloured photograph of the south side of a rendered two-storey Victorian-style building. There are well established trees in the garden.medlow, house names, warrigal road, surrey hills, (mrs) catherine bull, (miss) norma bull, house styles, late victorian boom style, (miss) catherine perrier, (mr) richard joseph bull, (mr) ronald joseph bull, (lt) (col) (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) cyrus hay cairncross, willcyrus, garden parties, fundraising, world war, 1914-1918

Built in 1889. Was known as 'Willcyrus' during the occupancy of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) William McGregor Cairncross and family. It was named after two of his sons - Sergeant William McGregor Cairncross and Trooper Cyrus Hay Cairncross, who served with the 2nd Scottish Horse during the Boer War and in British units in the First World War. Lt Col Cairncross served at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne for 25 years. During the Boer War he was controller of stores at Victoria Barracks. It was renamed 'Medlow' when it became the home of Dr Richard Joseph Bull (1874-1927) and his wife Catherine Grace, nee Perrier (1884-1972) in 1911. Richard Joseph Bull was the Director of Bacteriology at Melbourne University. Norma was a noted artist and was born in Hawthorn in 1906; her brother Ronald Richard was born in Surrey Hills in 1912. Fundraising events were held there during the First World War. The property was left to the National Trust of Victoria but the costs of maintenance forced the Trust to sell it and it has returned to private ownership.A coloured photograph of the front door of 'Medlow'. The paintwork is tired and part of the wooden veranda is degraded.medlow, house names, warrigal road, surrey hills, (mrs) catherine bull, (miss) norma bull, house styles, late victorian boom style, (miss) catherine perrier, (mr) (dr) richard joseph bull, (mr) ronald joseph bull, (lt) (col) (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) cyrus hay cairncross, willcyrus, garden parties, fundraising, world war, 1914-1918

Built in 1889. Was known as 'Willcyrus' during the occupancy of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) William McGregor Cairncross and family. It was named after two of his sons - Sergeant William McGregor Cairncross and Trooper Cyrus Hay Cairncross, who served with the 2nd Scottish Horse during the Boer War and in British units in the First World War. Lt Col Cairncross served at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne for 25 years. During the Boer War he was controller of stores at Victoria Barracks. It was renamed 'Medlow' when it became the home of Dr Richard Joseph Bull (1874-1927) and his wife Catherine Grace, nee Perrier (1884-1972) in 1911. Richard Joseph Bull was the Director of Bacteriology at Melbourne University. Norma was a noted artist and was born in Hawthorn in 1906; her brother Ronald Richard was born in Surrey Hills in 1912. Fundraising events were held there during the First World War. The property was left to the National Trust of Victoria but the costs of maintenance forced the Trust to sell it and it has returned to private ownership.A close-up coloured photograph of the front door of 'Medlow'. medlow, house names, warrigal road, surrey hills, (mrs) catherine bull, (miss) norma bull, house styles, late victorian boom style, (miss) catherine perrier, (mr) richard joseph bull, (mr) ronald joseph bull, (lt) (col) (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) cyrus hay cairncross, willcyrus, garden parties, fundraising, first world war

Built in 1889. Was known as 'Willcyrus' during the occupancy of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) William McGregor Cairncross and family. It was named after two of his sons - Sergeant William McGregor Cairncross and Trooper Cyrus Hay Cairncross, who served with the 2nd Scottish Horse during the Boer War and in British units in the First World War. Lt Col Cairncross served at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne for 25 years. During the Boer War he was controller of stores at Victoria Barracks. It was renamed 'Medlow' when it became the home of Dr Richard Joseph Bull (1874-1927) and his wife Catherine Grace, nee Perrier (1884-1972) in 1911. Richard Joseph Bull was the Director of Bacteriology at Melbourne University. Norma was a noted artist and was born in Hawthorn in 1906; her brother Ronald Richard was born in Surrey Hills in 1912. Fundraising events were held there during the First World War. The property was left to the National Trust of Victoria but the costs of maintenance forced the Trust to sell it and it has returned to private ownership.A coloured photograph of one of the rooms of 'Medlow' with an ornate mantle and archway. The paintwork is tired and there is damage to a corner section of the ceiling.medlow, house names, warrigal road, surrey hills, (mrs) catherine bull, (miss) norma bull, house styles, late victorian boom style, (miss) catherine perrier, (mr) richard joseph bull, (mr) ronald joseph bull, (lt) (col) (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) cyrus hay cairncross, willcyrus, garden parties, fundraising, world war, 1914-1918

Built in 1889. Was known as 'Willcyrus' during the occupancy of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) William McGregor Cairncross and family. It was named after two of his sons - Sergeant William McGregor Cairncross and Trooper Cyrus Hay Cairncross, who served with the 2nd Scottish Horse during the Boer War and in British units in the First World War. Lt Col Cairncross served at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne for 25 years. During the Boer War he was controller of stores at Victoria Barracks. It was renamed 'Medlow' when it became the home of Dr Richard Joseph Bull (1874-1927) and his wife Catherine Grace, nee Perrier (1884-1972) in 1911. Richard Joseph Bull was the Director of Bacteriology at Melbourne University. Norma was a noted artist and was born in Hawthorn in 1906; her brother Ronald Richard was born in Surrey Hills in 1912. Fundraising events were held there during the First World War. The property was left to the National Trust of Victoria but the costs of maintenance forced the Trust to sell it and it has returned to private ownership.A coloured photograph taken up the driveway of 'Medlow'. It is covered with what appears to be pine needles and some weeds up the centre. There are large trees overhanging the drive and the garden appears to be somewhat overgrown. medlow, house names, warrigal road, surrey hills, (mrs) catherine bull, (miss) norma bull, house styles, late victorian boom style, (miss) catherine perrier, (mr) (dr) richard joseph bull, (mr) ronald joseph bull, (lt) (col) (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) cyrus hay cairncross, willcyrus, garden parties, fundraising, world war, 1914-1918

Built in 1889. Was known as 'Willcyrus' during the occupancy of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) William McGregor Cairncross and family. It was named after two of his sons - Sergeant William McGregor Cairncross and Trooper Cyrus Hay Cairncross, who served with the 2nd Scottish Horse during the Boer War and in British units in the First World War. Lt Col Cairncross served at the Victoria Barracks in Melbourne for 25 years. During the Boer War he was controller of stores at Victoria Barracks. It was renamed 'Medlow' when it became the home of Dr Richard Joseph Bull (1874-1927) and his wife Catherine Grace, nee Perrier (1884-1972) in 1911. Richard Joseph Bull was the Director of Bacteriology at Melbourne University. Norma was a noted artist and was born in Hawthorn in 1906; her brother Ronald Richard was born in Surrey Hills in 1912. Fundraising events were held there during the First World War. The property was left to the National Trust of Victoria but the costs of maintenance forced the Trust to sell it and it has returned to private ownership.A coloured photograph of a timber building in the grounds of 'Medlow'. It has ornate barge boards and fretwork. The glass in the window is broken.medlow, house names, warrigal road, surrey hills, (mrs) catherine bull, (miss) norma bull, house styles, late victorian boom style, (miss) catherine perrier, (mr) richard joseph bull, (mr) ronald joseph bull, (lt) (col) (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) william mcgregor cairncross, (mr) cyrus hay cairncross, willcyrus, garden parties, fundraising, first world war

The Boer War took place from 11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902. Also known as the Anglo–Boer War, or the South African War, the conflict was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics (the South African Republic and the Orange Free State) over the Empire's influence in Southern Africa. As part of the British Empire, the Australian colonies offered troops for the war. Samuel McGowan was born in North Ireland in 1845, immigrating to Australia in 1870. He arrived in Bendigo 1871 and having worked in a large engineering works at home was quickly able to find management work in foundries, later opening a legal manager's office growing this into one of the largest of its type in Bendigo. Samuel McGowan was elected a member of the City Council in 1883 and was elected Mayor in 1885 and again in 1899, resigning as a councillor in 1901. He was the treasurer of the Bendigo Hospital, a senior member of the Zenith Lodge and president of the Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Samuel McGowan and Kate Goyne from Epsom married on 29th August 1874. Samuel died in 1921 aged 76 and Kate in 1930 aged 78. This plaque was probably attached to a commemorative board such as an honour board, however its whereabout are unknown. Engraved plaque in the shape of a flag and flag pole. Four small holes indicate that it was previously attached to a larger commemorative board.Flag; Special functions by / Mayor & Mrs McGowan / entertainment and distribution of Comforts to the / Bendigo Soldiers Contingent prior to their / departure for the Boer War. / Reception at the Town Hall / Ball to the Citizens. / Entertainment of distinguished visitors, etc.etc.etc / Flag pole; F. Prescottmayor mcgowan, councillor s h mc gowan, mayoress mcgowan