Index, maps, p.485.non-fictionFrom longbow, pike, and musket to Challenger tanks, from the Napoleonic Wars to the Gulf Campaign, from the Duke of Marlborough to Field Marshal Montgomery, this stimulating and informative book recounts the history of the British army from its medieval antecedents to the present day. Commanders, campaigns, battles, organization, and weaponry are all covered in detail within the wider context of the social, economic, and political environment in which armies exist and fight, making this the definitive one-volume history of the British army for specialists and non-specialists alike. british armed forces, british army - history

71st Infantry Band based at the Broadmeadows Camp 1917. Percy Code write a piece of music called the 71st Infantry Quick March. (http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/31795246?selectedversion=NBD11485892) The Ballarat phase of the battalion's history was formed as the Ballarat Volunteer Rifle Regiment on 9 August 1858 as a result of the Crimean War, coupled with the withdrawal of the British Army in 1857. In the years between its formation and the outbreak of War in 1914, the battalion went through a series of name changes as follows: Victorian Colonial Defence Force: 1858 – Ballarat Volunteer Rifle Regiment 1860 – Ballarat Volunteer Rifle Rangers 1863 – Ballarat Volunteer Rangers 1884 – 3rd Battalion, Victorian Rifles 1892 – 1st Battalion, 3rd Victorian Regiment 1898 – 3rd Battalion, Victorian Infantry Brigade Under the new Federal Government: 1901 – 3rd Battalion, Infantry Brigade Australian Army: 1903 – 7th Australian Infantry Regiment 1908 – 1st Battalion, 7th Australian Infantry Regiment 1912 – 70th Infantry (Ballarat East, Geelong and Queenscliff) 1912 – 71st Infantry (Ballarat West, Warrnambool) 1914 – 70th Infantry (Ballarat Regiment) - in Ballarat East 1914 – 71st (City of Ballarat) Infantry – in Ballarat West.1 Large group photo of members of the band .2 Photograph of part of the band The soldier in the front holding the conductor's batton is Percy Code. The trombone player next to Percy Code is Jack Shackles. 71st Infantry Band (Percy Code Bandmaster) Broadmeadows Camp 191771st infantry band, broadmeadows camp, percy code, code, frank wright, brass band, percy shackles, shackles

This volume discovers four of the five Australian Infantry Divisions expecting relief after their most depressing experience, the winter of 1916-17on the Somme.Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 - Volume IV - The AIF in France 1917 Hardcover cardboard, Chronology, Maps, Illustrationsaustralian infantry divisions, british armies, hindenburg line, bullecourt, battle of messines, battle of passchendaele, polygon wood, france, ypres, broodseinde ridge, hill 60

This volume narrates the part played by the Australian Corps in the barring of the German advance upon Amiens in 1918. It also endeavours to explain the change of outlook which enhanced the spirit and performance of Australian soldiers throughout the last year of the war. The main subject necessarily involves a more than incidental reference to the performance of the British Army in the greatest battle ever waged.During the main German offensive 1918Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 - Volume V - The AIF in France 1918 Hardcover cardboard, Illustrations, Maps, Chronologymessines, ludenorff strike, australian corp, amiens, dernancourt, battle of lys, villers bretonneux, hangard wood, somme, st. quentin, fonquebillers, lancashire fusiliers, 53rd battalion, 35th battalion, sir henry wilson, arras, battle of hazebrouck, kemmel ridge

The Victories of Wellington Author: W. H. Maxwell Publisher: Bell & Daldy Date: 1871 Further Information: non-fictionThis book is a detailed military history and biographical tribute celebrating Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, and the triumphs of the British military during the early 19th century. It focuses heavily on the Peninsular War fought against Napoleon's forces in Spain and Portugal and concludes with the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Written with a flair for action, it blends tactical overviews of famous battles with dramatic anecdotes of soldierly bravery, making it highly accessible to the general Victorian public, who voraciously consumed patriotic military histories.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the victories of wellington, w h maxwell, the duke of wellington, waterloo, 1812

The subject leather leggings are associated with mounted troops known as the Australian Light Horse that served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. After the war, Britain wanted to use fewer mounted troops and restructured its force around a style of combat that needed more infantry. But the defence of Australia still relied upon mounted military units as these were more mobile than infantry and could travel faster over long distances. Light Horse brigades in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) mostly contained recruits who served in the Light Horse regiments of the Citizen Forces. Many young men from rural areas of Australia volunteered for the Light Horse regiments. They had to pass a riding test to join, this test was easier for men from the bush because horses were still the main method of transport on farms and in country towns. The army did not officially accept First Australians into the AIF until May 1917 when enlistment standards were relaxed to include 'half-castes' with a parent of European origin. Indigenous soldiers served as valuable members of the Light Horse and many possessed excellent horse handling skills and specialist tracking knowledge.The subject items are part of the uniform for the Light Horse Units that served in the Australian army from 1899 until 1918. These leggings were worn by soldiers on horseback and are significant as they represent a noteworthy time in Australia's early military history. It was a time when many young men gave their lives during the South African and First World Wars in the defence of the then British Empire as part of the Imperial Forces that were gathered from many British-controlled Colonial countries.A pair of two Leather Leggings used by Mounted Australian soldiers during the first world war. The leggings are dark tan in colour with stitching to attach buckles and fastener straps. The strap buckles are made of brass and the leather legging straps are of same leather as leggings. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, leggings, leather leggings, protective leggings, protective clothing, australian mounted light horse units, military equipment

Hard cover book,Shipping Wonders of the World Vol 2 Editor: Clarence Winchester Publisher: The Amalgamated Press Ltd, London. Date: 1936-1937 Further Information: Textured hard cover cloth bound book, burgundy colour with gold lettering. Inscription with owner's details and a list of ships inside the front cover.non-fictionShipping Wonders of the World, Vol. 1 & 2 was originally issued not as a single bound book in a set of two volumes but as a weekly part-work magazine with fifty-five instalments, printed and distributed before the complete work was finished across both volumes. The work was published by The Amalgamated Press, London. Amalgamated Press then bound the accumulated parts into two hardcover volumes for purchasers who wanted a permanent set. Booksellers list the publication date as 1936–37 for both volumes, as the books themselves carry no printed date, which is a common trait of part-work bind-ups from magazine issues.warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, shipping wonders

This copy of the Certificate of Call to Arms was presented to Dr William Roy Angus at the completion of World War II by the May, Councillors and Citizens of Warrnambool in appreciation for his service. It is now part of Flagstaff Hill’s comprehensive W.R. Angus Collection, donated by the family of Dr W R Angus, 1901-1970, surgeon and oculist. During World War II between 1942-45, Dr Angus served with the Australian Department of Defence as a Surgeon Captain in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. The Certificate is headed by a crown above the portrait of King George VI, the reigning British monarch at the time of WWII and afterwards. King George was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, which is illustrated by the emblems of the Commonwealth countries and of the states of Australia. It also has symbols for the three Australian Military Forces; Navy, Army and Air Vorce. The Certificate also carries the Common Seal of the Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of the City of Warrnambool, and the signatures of the Mayor and Town Clerk. The W.R. Angus Collection: - The W.R. Angus Collection includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) and Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. It includes historical medical and surgical equipment and instruments from the doctors Edward and Thomas Ryan of Nhill, Victoria. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1927 at Ballarat, the nearest big city to Nhill where he began as a Medical Assistant. He was also Acting House surgeon at the Nhill hospital where their two daughters were born. During World War II He served as a Military Doctor in the Australian Defence Force. Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool in 1939, where Dr Angus operated his own medical practice. He later added the part-time Port Medical Officer responsibility and was the last person appointed to that position. Both Dr Angus and his wife were very involved in the local community, including the planning stages of the new Flagstaff Hill and the layout of the gardens there. Dr Angus passed away in March 1970.This is an example of objects used by or issued to Doctor Angus during and after his military service as Surgeon Captain in Australia during World War II. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The Collection includes historical medical objects that date back to the late 1800s.Call to Arms; certificate of service awarded as a tribute to W. R. Angus by the Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of the City of Warrnambool and sealed with Common Seal and the signatures of the Mayor and the Town Clerk. The top of the certificate has a portrait of King George VI below a crown emblem. The border has logos for countries of the British Commonwealth - Canada, South Africa, Inda and New Zealand - and the Australian States of Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, West Australia and Tasmania. The bottom has the badges of the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces and the Royal Australian Air Force. The Certificate was printed by Osboldstone & Co. of Melbourne, with the registered serial number 55319. This copy of the original certificate is part of the W. R. Angus Collection.Printed; "The Mayor, Councillors and citizens of the City of Warrnambool pay tribute to W.R. Angus who served in The World War No. 2 1939-45, for God, King and Empire" "This Certificate is presented in grateful recognition and high appreciation of services rendered for King and Empire in the Great War 1939-45." "In witness whereof, the Common Seal of the Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of Warrnambool was affixed hereto in the presence of " (Signatures of "J.F. Knights" [Mayor] "H.J. Worland" [Town Clerk]) Printed under the certificate: "Osboldstone & Co. Pty. Ltd. Printers, Melbourne" and "55319"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, dr w r angus, dr ryan, warrnambool base hospital, nhill base hospital, mira hospital, flying doctor, w.r. angus collection, australian department of defence, australian army, world war ii, wwii, surgeon captain, ballarat, bonegilla, certificate, call to arms, warrnambool mayor, j.f. knights, warrnambool town clerk, h.j. worland", city of warrnambool, world war no. 2', 1939-45, great war 1939-45, common seal of city of warrnambool, osboldstone & co. pty ltd., 55319, king george vi, british commonwealth, canada, south aftrica, india, new zealand, australian commonwealth military forces

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the surrounding farmland from Mt. Stanley in Victoria. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.1 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, mt. stanley, beechworth, victoria, 1940s, australian army, melbourne, sydney, royal australian corps of signals

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the view of surrounding hills from Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.2 / 32 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian signal army corps, war, beechworth, victoria, mt. stanley

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the view from Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the ongoing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.3 / 32 /military album, army album, beechworth, victoria, mt. stanley, australian army, wwii, world war ii, royal australian signal corps, army signal detachment unit

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts the view from Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.4 / 32 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, mt stanley, beechworth, victoria, melbourne, sydney, royal australian corps of signals, army signal detachment unit, military, war

Taken in 1944, depicted are members of the Army Signal Detachment Unit with local residents at at Lake Kerferd. David Pittard (back row, right) is standing beside Dorrie Elliot. The other people are unidentified. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.5 / Relaxing with some of / the Stanley locals / David Pittard (back row Rt.) / next to Dorrie Elliot / I can't recall the others / Lake Sambell, I think / Kerferd /military album, army album, lake kerford, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, military, war, wwii, world war ii, beechworth, victoria, sydney, melbourne

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts an Australian Army truck driving along an unsealed road from Stanley to the top of Mt. Stanley. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at Mt. Stanley by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.7 / The track up (?) from / Stanley to the top / 32 /military album, army album, military, war, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, beechworth, victoria, stanley, mt stanley, melbourne, sydney

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts two trucks and a trailer park at an undisclosed location inside the Stanley forest. An unidentified young man is standing in the background. There are also two tents installed on either side of the vehicles. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested in Stanley, Victoria by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.8 /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australian corps of signals, ra sigs, stanley, army truck, victoria, beechworth, melbourne, sydney

Taken in 1944, the photograph depicts a van with two large, round satellite dishes installed on the roof stationed near Mt. Stanley, Victoria. There is a transmission tower in the background. Four unidentified young men are in the foreground on the right hand side. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.10 / Our station set-up / in operation beside / the old Fire Watchers / Tower / 32 / It was man-handled / the last 50m. to the top /military album, army album, wwii, world war ii, army signal detachment unit, royal australia corps of signals, military, war, australian army, mt. stanley, victoria, beechworth

Taken in 1944, depicted is an aerial view of an Australian military camp set up at Mt. Stanley in Victoria. There are two large tents along with a vehicle and trailer surrounded by bushland. A secret experimental micro-wave radio station was established and tested at this site by the Army Signal Detachment Unit during World War II. It was part of an experimental Ultra High Frequency (UHF) link between Melbourne and Sydney. At the time, it was highly classified. It intended to enquire into the hitherto unexplored transmission of micro-waves; that is, a radio signal which could only be transmitted by line of sight, and thus required hill-top to hill-top location.The photograph is historically significant as it pertains to World War II; the largest global conflict in history. This significance is enhanced by Australia's prominent involvement in campaigns across the Pacific, particularly on land in New Guinea and across the Huon Peninsula. It was also the first time that the Australian mainland came under direct attack by the Axis, with Japanese forces targeting north-west Australia and Sydney Harbour. These battles became Australia's largest and most complex offensives during the war. The record is also historically significant as it relates to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, or "RA Sigs". This significance is strengthened by Australia's unique distinction of having the first established signal unit under the British Empire. This unit provides electronic warfare. They enable commanders to implement highly dynamic battle control against opposing forces by using a number of methods including radio, fibre optic, micro-wave, information systems and satellite links. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, the ANZAC legend, and the continuing existence of the RA Sigs. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military, technological innovation and advancements, as well as national economic, defence and foreign policies after 1945.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM5095.11 / Our camp / From the top. / (?) (?) /military album, army album, australian royal corps of signals, army signal detachment unit, mt. stanley, victoria, beechworth, wwii, world war ii, melbourne, sydney

It is believed that the photograph was taken between 1899 - 1903. Depicted is a group of fourteen unidentified young men dressed in Australian military uniforms. A few of them are holding swords. This group were part of the Beechworth Mounted Rifles; a voluntary detachment of the Australian Light Horse Militia. This unit consisted of soldiers from the Euroa, Longwood, Violet Town, Benalla, Thoona, Wangaratta, Rutherglen, and Beechworth Detachments of Victorian Rifles, and subsequently formed into the 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment (Victorian Mounted Rifles). The Victorian Mounted Rifles was gazetted as a volunteer formation on 2 December 1885 with the aim of consolidating all the disparate calvary units dispersed across Victoria into a coordinated and single administrative and military unit. Two contingents of the Victorian Mounted Rifles fought during the Second Boer War (11 October 1889 - 31 May 1902). This conflict was fought between the British Empire and two independent Boer states; the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, over the Empire's influence in South Africa.The photograph is historically significant due to its connection to the Second Boer War and Australian Light Horse Regiment. This significance is enhanced by Australia's involvement in this war, specifically of the Victorian Mounted Rifles. This unit retains a special significance within Victorian culture, as there is a memorial and monument - erected in 1903 - honouring their service on St. Kilda Road in Melbourne. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, and the ANZAC legend. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military and defence policies. Lastly, as the Victorian Mounted Rifles remain a largely unexplored topic in comparison to other military units and divisions, the record presents a unique opportunity for further and important study and research.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM2638 / 071 1NA211 22JAN98 FOTOSUPPLIES........ ........................................ /military album, beechworth mounted rifles, australian light horse militia, second boer war, victorian mounted rifles, australian light horse regiment, military, war, british empire, south africa, 1800s, 1900s, australian army

It is believed this photograph was taken in the early 1900s during World War I. Depicted is a 19 year old male soldier named Thomas "Tom" Lacey, who was a resident of Beechworth, Victoria. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform and posing inside a photographic portrait studio.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 9 November 1914, the Royal Australian Navy made a major contribution when HMAS Sydney destroyed the German raider SMS Emden. On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This began a campaign that ended with an evacuation of allied troops beginning in December 1915. The next year, Australian forces fought campaigns on the Western Front and in the Middle East. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on paper.Reverse: 3417.1 /military album, wwi, world war i, thomas lacey, tom lacey, soldier, australian army, war

Depicted is a handwritten note written by Thomas "Tom" Lacey. It is addressed to his sister, Maude. This letter accompanies a portrait of Tom dressed in an Australian army uniform (record number 3417.1). Tom was a resident of Beechworth, and was only nineteen years old when he fought in World War I.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 9 November 1914, the Royal Australian Navy made a major contribution when HMAS Sydney destroyed the German raider SMS Emden. On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This began a campaign that ended with an evacuation of allied troops beginning in December 1915. The next year, Australian forces fought campaigns on the Western Front and in the Middle East. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: My Dear Sister / I will / write / you / a long / letter / next / week / CARTE POSTALE / Just a line / in (?) to your letter / which I received two / days ago. I suppose you / used to wonder why I / never wrote but it is / pretty hard to get / writting paper at / (?). Well maud / I suppose you heard / about me getting around / I was shot through the / both legs but my poor / old mate got killed / straight out. I tell you / I do miss him. / I am glad you like / your new place. / Do you ever see Mary Y(?) / I had not had a letter / from her for 3 months / I have had a good / rest since I came out / of hospital I have been to / Cairo twice. Do you ever / get any letters from Dave / (?) him to drop me a / line some of these days / Well Maud I would like / to spend next XMAS with / you but that not my luck / this is all the new good by Tom /military album, beechworth, tom lacey, army, world war i, wwi, letter, thomas lacey

Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are three - are believed to signify a Sergeant ranking. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: CARD / JAS.C.CRADDEN, / 182 PITT ST, SYDNEY. / Cecil Johnson / BMM2640.1 /military album, wwi, world war i, postcard, australian army, australian imperial force, aif, sergeant, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer, portrait

Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM2640.2 / POST CARD / Write here for Inland Postage only / The Address to be written heremilitary album, wwi, world war i, australian army, australian imperial force, aif, uniform, postcard, portrait

Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a full-length portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are two - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: Mendelssohn & Co., / Swanston St., Melbourne / POST CARD / KODAK / CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / AUSTRAL / AUSTRAL / KODAK / BMM 2640.3 /military album, world war i, wwi, corporal, portrait, soldier, australian imperial force, aif, postcard, uniform

Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are two - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM 2640.4 / P RD / Write here for Inland Postage on /military album, aif, australian imperial force, corporal, war, wwi, world war i, rising sun, badge, uniform, military

Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a full-length portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM 2640 / POST CARD / KODAK / 5 CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / AUSTRAL / AUSTRAL / KODAK / R. McGEEHAN, PHOTO, 57 ELM GROVE RIPPONLEA, / EXTRA COPIES & ENLARGEMENTS OBTAINABLE. /military album, military, war, world war i, wwi, australian imperial force, aif, rising sun, uniform, portrait

Taken some time between 1914-18 in France, the photograph depicts extensive wreckage of a railway train. There are collapsed buildings, debris, and helmets scattered all across the landscape. There is one unidentified soldier standing in the middle of the photograph. With research that is currently available, it can be inferred that the wreckage depicted in this photograph is from the tragic Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment which occurred on December 12, 1917. The railway accident involved a troop train carrying almost 1,000 French soldiers on their way home for leave from the Italian Front in World War I. As the train descended into the Maurienne Valley, a sudden, uncontrollable acceleration caused a catastrophic crash and subsequent fire. 675 people died in the accident.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. Additionally, there is only limited information available about the Sant-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment. The record may be a useful springboard for further investigation into this accident and its history.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 6530 / Destruction of train carrying / German helmets (?) to (?) prior to / his retreat at Charleroi /military album, army, war, wwi, world war i, france, charleroi, train, military, wreckage, europe, belgium, saint-michel-de-maurienne, maurienne valley

Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of trenches in France. The image mostly shows rural landscape, although there is a cluster of houses in the top right corner. It is believed that this record denotes a section of the Western Front. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. Between 1915 and 1917 there were several offensives along the Western Front. The attacks employed massive artillery bombardments and massed infantry advances. Entrenchments, machine gun emplacements, barbed wire and artillery repeatedly inflicted severe casualties during attacks and counter-attacks and no significant advances were made. Among the most notable of these offensives were the Battle of Verdun (1916), the Battle of the Somme (1916), and the Battle of Passchendaele (1917).The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: A.3.FE.2.291 / 62D O.20bd.P.25O.C / 16.7.18 / 12 / F 8 1/4 / Reverse: 6532military album, military, army, war, wwi, world war i, france, trenches

The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in Egypt on 4 March 1916, during World War I. Depicted are three unidentified Australian soldiers part of the Australian Imperial Force. They are dressed in military uniforms. Each of these men are seated atop a camel's back. All three camels are draped in - what are believed to be - traditional Egyptian textiles, including tassels, carpets and beads. In the background, we can see a triangular pyramid and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The Australian Imperial Force (AIF) were established by the Australian government in August 1914. This announcement marked the beginning of Australia's involvement in World War I. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first contingent of the AIF departed Australia by ship in November 1914. England was their destination. Although, their convoy was diverted to Egypt after the Australian High Commissioner in London, Sir George Reid, and the British military authorities unanimously agreed that the overcrowded military camps in England were unsuitable for so many men over winter. The AIF disembarked in Alexandria, Egypt on 3 December 1914, and the men moved to training camps near Cairo. It was in Egypt that the AIF and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) formed one united corps - the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). This group of troops trained in the desert beneath the pyramids until March 1915.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. On 25 April 1915, members of the Australian Imperial Force landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. The record's unique research potential is strengthened by its relationship to a historically significant site: the Egyptian pyramids. Since the postcard was produced in 1916, the record can be used as primary evidence for historians and conservationists studying these sites, or how these sites have evolved over time. The record may also be a useful resource for those interested in the history of Egyptian textiles. Furthermore, it may also provide insight into international relations between Egypt and Australia in the past and present.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: 172 / Reverse: 6536 / CARTE POSTALE / 4/3/16 / Rough riders under / the shadow of the / pyramids /military album, army, war, wwi, world war i, egypt, pyramid, great sphinx of giza, textiles, australian imperial force, aif, uniform

It is believed that the photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in 1918. Depicted are ten Australian male soldiers. Their names are transcribed in pencil on the reverse side of the postcard. Each soldier is dressed in a formal military uniform. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniforms of nine of ten men. The placement of this insignia on the sleeves of their right arms suggests that they were either Warrant Officers or Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, nine men have three - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The men pictured on this postcard are also wearing 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the rectangular colour patches worn by all men on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the upper arms of a soldier’s tunic. The black and white nature of the record means that we cannot establish which battalion these soldiers were part of. However, one of the handwritten signatures on the reverse side of the postcard reads "W.A. Griggs". This was the signature of Sergeant William Archibald Griggs. Further research shows that Griggs was part of the 5th Australian Division Signals Company. Therefore, it is believed these soldiers were part of the ANZAC Signal Companies. The main role of the Signal Companies during World War I was the laying and maintenance of telephone cables and switchboards, used to connect various units in their area. Furthermore, the man standing in the back row, third from the left side, has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the black and white nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: Oh 'Serg!' / Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / 6537 / Correspondance / Adresse / w.a. Grigg / J. Fain / Ruckling / R.J Farrar / (?) / Clarke / L (?) / GFFisher / R. M. Forrest / With Compliments / Sgt's Mess / November 1918 /military album, army, aif, uniform, military, wwi, world war i, rising sun badge, william archibald griggs, anzac, signal companies, postcard, patches, chevron

The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken some time between 1914-1918. Depicted are five unidentified Australian soldiers. They are all dressed in military uniforms. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are rectangular colour patches. One is visible on the soldier in the front row, first from the left on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the right arms of a soldier’s tunic. The sepia nature of the record means that we cannot determine the colour, and therefore cannot establish which battalion this soldier was part of. Furthermore, the man seated in the middle of the front row has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the sepia nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / hyossest (?) / 6538 /military album, army, aif, australian imperial force, postcard, wwi, world war i, portrait, soldiers