The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) was a civil defence formed on 31st December 1941 as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) support during World War II. The VAOC rapidly developed observation posts manned by men and women all over Australia, the main purpose being to identify and report any aircraft movement to an RAAF regional base. During the early days of 1942 the posts were manned 24 hours a day, gradually relaxing as the threat to Australia lessened. All members were continually trained in aircraft identification and provided an invaluable service to the RAAF. The VAOC was disbanded in April 1946. During its operation over 2,600 observations posts were maintained and approximately 25,000 personnel served. These certificates were presented to Mrs. H (Hazel) Penfold and Mr. A. R. (Alexander Rex) Penfold in recognition of 3 years of service during this period. Hazel was the daughter of Mark Ellwood and Rosina Mary Smale and the older sister of Grace, wife of John Hamilton-Smith. The family of Grace and John Hamilton-Smith have donated many items to the Wodonga & District Historical Society. This item commemorates one of the important roles played by civilians on a local, state and national level during WW2 and is attached to a local Wodonga family.2 coloured certificates on cream paper. The design includes 2 aircraft and a man and woman positioned between with the Union Jack and the Australian flag in the top section above the Royal Australian Air Force insignia and the words "For King and Country" Dark cream columns with a pale blue surround frame the details on the certificate. 3 one Years service stickers are attached at the bottom above the insignia of the Volunteer Air Observers Corps.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs H. Penfold by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officer volunteer air observers corps, vaoc, civilians in ww2, hamilton-smith collection

Stathi Raftopoulos, pictured third from the left , served in the Civilian Military Forces during WW2.Young Greek and Australian-Greek men joined the Australian Defence Forces during World War 2 and served in various capacities. Ithacans who were unnaturalised were recruited into the Civilian Military Forces as 'Allied Aliens' and served the war effort on the home front. Naturalised Ithacans saw active service.A black and white photograph of four men in army uniform standing against a large piece of machinery.wwii

Ronald Leslie Schorey Dickinson RAAF No 439212. He initially enlisted as a RAAF Cadet age 16 years on 27.2.1942, Cpl 17.11.1942, Sgt 17.6.1943, S/Sgt 8.10.1943. At age 18 he enlists on 29.2.1944 with the rank A/C 2 and soon with the rank LAC (leading Aircraftsman). He is posted to places like Geraldton & Kalgoorlie WA, Benalla & Tocumwal VIC. From 23.9.1945 he is listed with postings at 54 Mile NT, Darwin in two different units, Winellie and Ransford. He is discharged with the rank of LAC on 20.5.1946. Records are hard to follow but it appears he could have been Aircrew as an LAC. Refer also Cat No 7263PThis is a hard cover book. The colour of the front cover is a purplish hue. The spine has a blue buckram binding. It was Airforce Form A.18. Inside are a large number of pages covering such subjects as; Pilot Certification, Aircraft flown, Hours, Locations. Dates - range from 1944-2017. Possibly some pages are missing. 1942 - 1944. It has records for RAAF Flying and Civilian Flying Post WW2.Written on bottom of book pages is name "DICKINSON R.L.S.raaf, flying log

The Jacket belonged to Dennis James Powell, enlisted on 7.5.1941 No VX55199. Was a POW, discharged on 21.12.1945 in 2/29th Bn. Served Korea in the 3rd Bn No 32729 from 27.5.1951 - 14.8.1951, 24.9.51 - 22.4.1952. The service ribbons on the jacket are; 1939 - 45 Star Pacific Star British War Medal Australian Service Medal Korea Medal Un Medal Korea. The pants have posssibly been used to make up a uniform. 1. This is a black woollen jacket. It has 4 front pockets. It has Sgt's stripes on arm (Gold). It has RA Inf buttons. On the collars are another pattern RA Inf button - Kings Crown. Shiled design surrounded with oak leaves. Crossed rifles in centre of shield. It has six ribbons - see below. 2. Trousers - black wool. red stripe on legs. Fly is held shut with buttons, black. Two side pockets - One rear pocket. 3. Shirt - off white - civilian. 4. Belt - black wool, brass buckle. 5. Tie - black, purple liner.Jacket - Inside has written - “3/2729 J.D. Powell” Trousers- “ Jorgenson R/5”ww2, postwar ww2, uniform, passchendaele barracks trust

Last issue of newsletter published by Australian Prisoners of War Association to families and friends of individual internees.Small 16 page newsletter. Yellowing paper with black writing containing pictures, articles and letters relating to P.O.W.'s and civilian internees.No inscriptions.prisoner of war, newsletter

Photos of Australian Soldiers in WW2 in Jerusalem. Part of Collection of William (Bill) Thomason. Refer Cat No. 4136P.Black and white landscape photo of (8 ) eight Australian soldiers and one Egyptian civilian with the King David Caves and City Walls of Jerusalem in the background."To Hilda and Barbara, From Parry & Alf" . note "Sent on the 3.5.40 per boat".collection of william (bill) thomason, photograph, ww2

From Title Page "Prisoners of War/ From Gallipoli to Korea".Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard. Red, black and white print on front, spine and back. Illustrated - black and white photographs. Front and spine - group of soldiers with guard. Back - group of nurses (Army and Civilian). 754 pages - cut, plain, off white colour paper. Illustrated, black and white photographs.publication, books, military history, pow's, ww2

Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, red, gold and grey colour print on front, spine and back. Illustrated, in silhouette photograph of seven soldiers at top front and back. Front bottom, seven civilians in a file in profile. Colour Photograph. 193 pages - cut, plain, white colour paper. Illustrated, black and white photographs and maps.publication, book, military history, kokoda, ww2, biographies

"Charles Thomas Biggs" No. 51893 RAAF. Enlisted 16/3/42 aged 31. Discharged 8/11/45 at rank of Sgt in HQ North Eastern Area. Born 1911. Died 1 Dec 1962, at Quarry Hill, Vic, aged 51. Buried at Bendigo Cemetery.1. War Medal 1939-1945. 2. Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45. 3. Instructions on Guidance of how medals are to be worn on civilian clothes. 4. White box bottom. 5. White medal box top.1. Inscribed with George VI and Lion over a fallen Eagle. 2. Inscribed Aust. Service Medal 1939-45 with Commonwealth Emblem and George VI on other side. 3. Stamped 1966 & RAAF medal Section, Vic Barracks, Melbourne.charles thomas biggs, raaf, ww2, australia service medal, war medal 1939-45

Aircraft recognition models were produced and painted flat black and lacked any real surface detail or markings in order to simulate a silhouette. Training purposes for both military personnel and civilians alike.1. & 2. Model Aircraft x 2 made from timber and painted black. 1. Has four engines and appears to be a "Boeing B.17 Flying Fortress", an American heavy bomber WW2. 2. Has twin engines - a "Vickers Wellington", a British, long range medium bomber WW2.Handwritten label with models - grey lead pencil. "Recognition Model used to train pilot and gunner in identification. Top. Boe's B17. Bottom Vickers Wellington". 1. Label on bottom of model - "FORTRESS"military, aircraft, training, ww2

These relate to the WW2 and Post War service of VX112283 "Keith Charles Buckley" - Major1. Photo of an Australian Major of RA Sigs - in BCOF signing a document. Beside him is an Australian soldier and an Asian Gentleman. Behind them are cups and saucers. On the table is a round stamp or blotter. The Major is wearing Campaign medals. 2. Photo of the same conference from a different angle. 2 Australians, 5 Asian gentlemen. The Major and the mature Asian Gentleman are signing documents. The Australians are in winter dress. The civilians are in suits with ties, The table is a large square one with turned wooden legs.photos, ww2, signing of documents

Vol 13, No 19, 6.5.1941. Cover shows an Air Force Officer riding a bicycle past the front of a fighter plane propeller. Other planes are in the background. 31 pages, illustrated black & white photos, military & civilian topics. Sub titled: “Australia's Spitfire Air Aces pages 16-17. Cost 6d” Written in the X of PIX: “Tresize”books - magazines, military history - air force, pix

See Cat 5109PThis is a foldable Air Mail letter card. The cover is printed in blue ink. It has a One Penny stamp attached with a Post Office Stamp. The stamp is Australian with the image of the Queen. On the front is the censor's stamp "Australian Military Forces. Passed by censor 537". Signed by unknown. Inside the letter is addressed to "My Darling Loved One" From VX25591 Pte E H Hildebrandt, 13th A.D.B. N.T. Forces. It ends with "From your loving Sweetheart & Husband. First Line he mentions receiving a letter 4-3-45. Tex xxxww2, romance, civilian life

Refer CAt 5433PNewspaper- single sheet of paper, when folded it forms 4 pages. One image of Princess Elizabeth in uniform. War news from all over the world, civilian news, state by state, sport news.Top written in ink. A name ? L. MIHILKING 2 AUST. B. I . P.O.D.ww2, newspaper, newspaper guinea gold

Item in collection relating to Alfred G Ferris No 2156 AIF. Refer Cat No 4183.3P for his service details.Civilian issue Identity card, Form C.R.3, light khaki colour, rectangular shape, all type in black print, hand written and stamped details, date appears to be 14 APR 1942.Hand written, “4”, “87”, “4561”, “Amy Maud Ferris, Terrick Terrick, Private bag Pyramid Hill”. Stamped in purple, “BENDIGO”identity card, civilian, ww2

.1)Identity Card, envelope and cover all fawn colour, all printing in Black type, front has "Form C.R.3", date stamp, space for addressed to, signature of holder, cover is see through paper, envelope is plain with window and open one end. .2) Same as .1) except for different person..1) On front in black pen, V "4", F "74", "23168", "Margaretta Guiney 126 Sternberg St Bendigo", on rear in black pen, Witness "J.H. Chamberlain 130 Sternberg St", Holder signature, "M Guiney". .2) On front in black pen, V "4", F "10", "23167", Witness same as .1), Holder "K.M Guiney"civilian identity, cards ww2, envelopes

From Introduction: This book tells the personal stories of men and women who lived and served through World War II and marks the 50th Anniversary of the end of that war.Soft cardboard cover. Black print on front, spine & back, mottled yellow background colour. Front cover has an illustration of a male in uniform & a female civilian. Front cover has a triangle shape missing from top right hand corner. 119 pages, cut, plain, white. Illustrated with black & white photos.book, heroes, home, abroad

Booklet issued by Military Forces, outlining rules in relation to the import of plants and animals by Returning Forces in WW2. Was common for Service people to bring back mascots as souvenirs from overseas in breach of Australian Regulations. Small brown booklet issued by Australian Military Forces. 22 pages of content in black and white. In relation to import of animals on plants back into Australia by Military or Civilians.Front header "Australian Animal Disease Control" and titled "The Mascot Menace"/mascots, disease control, ww2

Personnel stories of Ex Service Women Post War 1945 - 48.Soft cover book. Cover, cardboard, black and white print on front, spine and back with dark green background. illustrated - black and white photograph of four civilian women. 171 pages, cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated - black and white photographs. End papers - front and back - collection of signatures, black ink print on beige colour background.publications, books, personal narratives, ex-servicewomen

Collection of two photographs from Post WWII displayed in a Bendigo District RSL Exhibition post 2011. Exhibition called "Our Service Ladies".1. & 2. Photographs - enlarged black and white copies on photographic paper of a post WW2 service woman dressed in uniform. Mount - white cardboard with adhesive label on lower edge with printed information. 1. Portrait of a service woman. 2. Informal group photograph of two service women with a male civilian.Information details - black ink print, 1. "Our Service Ladies/ Sgt Helen EASTMENT (Herrick)/ WRACC: F1/337 - F105019/ 30/04/1956 - 02/07/1962" 2. "Our Service Ladies/ Telethons/ ABC Radio Announcer - Ross Tyson with / Cpl Helen EASTMENT (Herrick) WRACC &/ Pte Margaret THOMPSON"photographic portrait, service women, post wwii, exhibition, sgt helen eastment, pte margaret thompson

Australian Chinese Servicemen from WW2 photographs - Exhibition held at the Bendigo & District RSL, post 2010.1.2.3. Photographs on photographic paper, enlarged black and white portraits. Mount - red and blue colour cardboard, double mount with top area containing the photograph, lower area printed information. 1. Three servicemen in informal group. 2. Two servicewomen, one serviceman and a civilian - group portrait. 3. Five servicemen and one service woman in uniform - collection of small portraits.Printed information - black ink print. 1. LES KUM JEW (left)- in 1942, joined the Volunteer Defence Corps, then the RAAF, with JACK GOON (right). GUS HOMEMING (centre) enlisted in 1942 in the Royal Australian Artillery, and was posted to New Guinea. In 1944, he was seconded to the Allied translation and Interrogation Section to work in POW camps. To this end, and with other students including Jack Goon, he learned Japanese at Sydney University. He was then posted to Morotai. In 1946, he was sent to Japan with the Australian Intelligence Corps of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. From 1946-51, he was in charge of the Inland Sea Patrol. Promoted to Chief Administration Officer in charge of Tokushima Prefecture and its ten million people. He returned to Australia in 1952 and remained in Intelligence service until 1957. 2. EUNICE LEONG (top left) worked from 1940 as a wireless operator for the Army in Melbourne, Sydney and Alice Springs, and as a signals instructor at Bonegilla. Her sister, VALDA (top right) worked as a radar plotter with the WAAAF, and her brother MAX (bottom right) went with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces to Japan after the War. 3. PETER MOO (top right) served with the Australian Army in the Northern Territory, his brother FRANK MOO (top centre) served with the Australian Imperial Force in Rabaul and Bougainville, Frank's children CLARENCE MOO (top right) served with the Royal Australian Engineers and then transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force HARRY MOO (bottom left) served with the Royal Australian Air Force's 31 Beaufighter Squadron in Darwin and Morotai, MAVIS MOO (bottom centre) served with the Australian Army Medical Women's Service and ARTHUR MOO (bottom right) served with the Australian Army and later the Royal Australian Air Force. photographs, chinese/australians, ww2

Items in the collection re J.C.W.LEDEUX, refer Cat No 2378 for his service details.2 Identity Cards issued to members of the LEDEUX Family. They are civilian registration cards for British Subjects, made of light brown card printed in black ink..1) Written in front in ink: “LEDEUX / John Claude William / Rushworth” .2) “ Rose Christina Ledeux / Moora Road / Ruthworth” .2) Is endorsed: Ration Books for two childrendocuments - cards, military history - identification, civilian

.1) Possibly a ships boarding pass on return from Japan at wars end..2) 3 Pagodas was a place on the Burma Railway. Items belonged to Alfred Robert Maskell VX25221, 4th Anti Tank Regt 2nd AIF. Refer 2485 for medals and service history also 1076, 1100.2, 2489P. .1) Card, printed in black with hand written details on one side, rear is lined. The card details name, rank, sex, civilian, physical condition, name of ship embarked on, billet No. .2) Pamphlet, "The Bridge on the River Kwai, history of the Death Railway". Front has a drawing of the bridge, rear has depiction of the "3 Pagodas", 12 pages."Maskell Alfred R, Gunner AIF VX25221 British-M-Australia"identification, burma railway, ww2

Items relating to Harry and Lily COWLEY. Refer 347.3. Refer 347.3 for Harry Cowley, WW1 service history. Obviously he tried to enlist in WW2 but was rejected on medical grounds..1) Medical Certificate of Unfitness AA.Form MoB 5 .2) ID Card Civilian Registration ( British Subjects ) Number V9 F94 44,027 Stamped Prahran Vic 29 April 1942.1) For "Harry Cowley, Area 14 Drill Hall Prahran, Dated 1 Apr 1942" .2) For "Francis Lily Cowley, K15 Raleigh St Windsor S1"documents, medical, identification

Civilian Registration Identity Card issued to Ernest Thomas Orford of Irvines Road, Eltham, farmer, signed by subject and witnessed by Elizabeth J. Cox of Eltham. This type of card was issued to British subjects who were civilians. During World War II everyone in Australia was issued with a personal identity card and was required to report changes of address to the government. These cards were particularly important in the identification and monitoring of Aliens (non-citizen residents) , particularly non-Europeans and Asian residents.1942, civilian registration (british subjects), elizabeth j. cox, eltham, ernest thomas orford, identity card, irvines road, second world war, ww2

Civilian Registration Identity Card issued to Douglas Frederick Orford of Irvines Road, Eltham, a student of Eltham Higher Elementary School, signed by subject and witnessed by E.T. Orford, farmer of Eltham. This type of card was issued to British subjects who were civilians. During World War II everyone in Australia was issued with a personal identity card and was required to report changes of address to the government. These cards were particularly important in the identification and monitoring of Aliens (non-citizen residents) , particularly non-Europeans and Asian residents.civilian registration (british subjects), eltham, ernest thomas orford, identity card, irvines road, second world war, ww2, douglas frederick orford, eltham higher elementary school, 1943

Awarded to Alan Bowers (A236814) who was a R.A.A.F. dental mechanic who serverd during WWII including service in Darwin, and then continued in the R.A.A.F. for some years after the end of WWII The Royal Australian Air Force (and all Commonwealth Air Forces) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: Awarded to NCOs and ORs of the RAAF (RAF, RCAF etc) for 15 years service. A cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). Officers are eligible for the award provided they have served a minimum 12 years in the ranks. The riband is dark blue and maroon with white edges. This medal ceased to be awarded in Australia in 1975 when it was replaced by the National Medal (and sbsequently the DFSM and DLSM) in the Australian system of honours and awards. http://www.heritagemedals.com.au/medals-1/service-long-service/air-force-long-service-and-good-conduct-medal.html History of the RAAF Dental Branch It took six years following the formation of the RAAF in 1921 for the first Dental Clinic to be established at Point Cook, Victoria. On 10th June 1927 Flying Officer James Carl Rosenbrock commenced work as an RAAF Dental Officer for the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. As personnel numbers were still relatively small, Rosenbrock was also responsible for the dental care of all Victorian RAAF units, which involved treating members at 1AD Laverton, as well as Air Force Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. As Army Dental Officers were currently caring for RAAF personnel at Richmond, NSW, the Senior Dental Officer of the 3rd Military District in Victoria (SDO 3MD) requested through the military board that a similar arrangement be established, where that the newly appointed RAAF Dentist provide part time dental services to the Army units stationed at Queenscliff. This was seen as an effective reciprocal arrangement, with both units having a Dental Officer in attendance for, in total, around 3-4 weeks a year. Rosenbrock continued to serve as the sole RAAF Dental Officer until the middle of 1933, when the Air Board asked for his service to be terminated following ‘behaviour unbecoming of a RAAF officer'. He had borrowed several sums of money, of around 40 Pounds or so, from junior ranks on base (as well as from the Regimental Sergeant Major) and had failed to pay the money back. He was replaced by a fellow Victorian, FLGOFF Norman Henry Andrews, on the 18th Sep 1933, who went on to become our first Director of Dental Services, and was instrumental in establishing the organisations and conditions of the Branch that are still present today. Through a fair amount of persistence and hard work on the part of Norman Andrews, the RAAF Dental Branch began to expand from 1937, with the introduction of 2 additional positions, at RAAF station Richmond, and at the FlyingTraining School at Point Cook. This gave the RAAF 3 uniformed Dental Officers, which was expanded to 5 in the months leading up to WW2. 4 of these Dental Officers were based in Victoria and 1 at Richmond, with the other two RAAF units being cared for by the Army (as in the case of Pearce in WA) or by civilians (as in Darwin). With the sudden increase in RAAF personnel required at the outbreak of WW2, the number of RAAF Dental Officers increased dramatically, from 5 in 1939, 28 in 1940, 64 in 1941, 147 in 1942, 193 in 1943, 219 in 1944, and peaking at 227 in 1945. RAAF Dental Officers were required to work in a variety of locations, both in and out of Australia. Between 1940 and 1942 a massive construction programme occurred, with new dental clinics being established around Australia. Priority was given to aircrew training units in order to get these personnel dentally fit for operational deployment, but Dental Officers could equally find themselves posted to recruit depots, fixed stations, medical clearance stations, mobile dental sections, and RAAF and civilian hospitals. RAAF Dental Officers were posted to the large dental centres at Ascot Vale (Vic) and Bradfield Park (NSW) when first appointed, where they received military and clinical training, before being deployed to their needed location. Mobile Dental Units When Japan entered the war in 1941, the rapid deployment of troops to northern operational areas with less than ideal dental fitness was extremely high. As a result, the RAAF deployed a range of mobile dental units, either alone or with medical sections, to support the increasing number of isolated deployed personnel within Australia and overseas. There were three types of mobile unit used: a. Mobile Dental Unit – relied on using either a semi-trailer to get around or by building a surgery directly on to the truck chassis, and installing hydraulic chairs, units, x-rays, and laboratory equipment. They were able to move around between small units, such as RAAF radar stations, where they could plug into the local power supply and work immediately. b. Transportable Dental Units – used for stops of longer duration, where field equipment was carried in panniers from one unit to another by road or rail and housed in whatever accommodation was available at the destination. They were often carried within Australia on Tiger Moths and Dakota aircraft. c. Itinerant Dental Units – in some areas, the dental equipment was installed at the RAAF unit and the Dental Officer and their staff would travel from unit to unit, using the equipment available at each location. RAAF Dental BadgeAs the war developed in Europe, it soon became obvious that the RAF Dental support was not capable of supporting the increasing numbers of RAAF aircrew that were being sent for service with the RAF, with only enough Dental Officers available to provide one to every 2000 men ( instead of the preferred 1 to 600). As a result, the RAAF provided a mobile dental unit, fitted out in a caravan and pulled by a Ford V8 Coupe, to travel around England in support of RAAF personnel at various squadrons. Some degree of tact was needed to ensure that the RAF did not take this as a comment on the treatment they were providing, but it proved successful in maintaining a satisfactory state of dental fitness in RAAF personnel, and a second mobile unit was soon dispatched. They were also set up with a laboratory on board as well as the surgery, which was a major difference between the RAF and RAAF, as the RAF did not provide dentures for their troops (the RAAF would, providing they had served for 6 years). In 1943 the RAF was no longer able to provide Dental support to Australian troops in the Middle East, which resulted in the need for a transportable dental unit to be deployed from Australia. It functioned in a similar manner to the RAF, by moving from one squadron to another. It served in the Middle East and Africa, from Cairo across North Africa, to Italy, and eventually back to England to treat returned prisoners of war. GPCAPT Norman Andrews The growth and development of the RAAF Dental Branch owes a debt to one man in particular, GPCAPT Norman Andrews. As the second RAAF Dental Officer to enlist on 18 Sep 1933, Andrews became the principal architect of the structure and organisation of the RAAF Dental Branch leading up to and during WW2. Until early 1940, the RAAF Dental Branch was administered by the Director of Medical Services (Air), which placed it under the control of the Army Medical staff. The Army would provide their Inspector of Dental Services for advice whenever needed. In April 1940, the RAAF Medical service separated from the Army, resulting in the control of the RAAF Dental Branch shifting back to the RAAF. Andrews became the first Director of Dental Services, when the position was created in 1943 as recognition of the higher profile the Dental Branch was now playing in the RAAF Medical service. Until this time, Andrews's title had been as the Dental Staff Officer to the RAAF Medical Service. Andrews was responsible for the establishment of the war-time structure of the Dental service, establishing new dental centres at all major bases, creating mobile and transportable dental units, ensuring the continual growth of the Branch, maintaining professional development of staff through the establishment of a professional journal, and by organising renowned lecturers to speak at RAAF bases. He also believed in visiting as many dental units as possible to see for himself what conditions were like and to talk first-hand to staff in remote units. His itinerary during the war years, both in and out of Australia, shows a large number of trips in a variety of modes of transport in order to reach remote areas where units were serving. He was promoted to GPCAPT in July 1944, as the numbers of Dental Officers soon peaked at 227 towards the end of the war (1 GPCAPT, 9 WGCDRs, 60 SQNLDRs, and 157 FLTLTs). After the war, with the reduction in RAAF personnel required in uniform, the Dental Branch also reduced its numbers significantly. By 1947 there were only 18 Dental Officers serving (many part-time), with 1 GPCAPT, 1 WGCDR, 10 SQNLDRs, and 6 FLTLTs, and only 13 by 1950. With the decrease in Branch personnel numbers, the ‘powers to be' saw fit to reduce the Director of Dental Service rank to WGCDR, and as a result Norman Andrews found that in order to continue serving in the RAAF he would have to wear a reduced rank. This appears to have been a contributing factor in his decision to discharge at the relatively early age of 43 and accept an administrative job as Director of the Victorian Government's School Dental Service. Norman Andrews holds the proud honour of being the founder of the RAAF Dental Branch, which during the war was instrumental in educating servicemen of the importance of dental health and maintaining the dental fitness of troops in a variety of areas. Dental Orderlies (Assistants) The dental orderly mustering was first introduced in 1937. Until that time, medical orderlies were assigned to assist the Dental officer with their duties. As early as 1931 it had been noted by both RAAF and Army Dental Officers working in Victoria and Richmond that a lot of the troubles they were having would be solved by appointing a permanent Dental Orderly. Often they would find that the medical orderly they were assigned was a different one each day, and as a result the administration and work in general was very inefficient. By 1937, with the increase in Dental Officers to 3, it was realised that a Dental Orderly mustering needed to be created. Dental Mechanics/Technicians Before WW2, dental laboratory work was provided by civilian laboratories, as most RAAF units were stationed around metropolitan areas. At this time, service personnel were still required to pay for their own dentures, unless they had served for six years or had their dentures damaged during performance of their duties. In July 1940, mainly in response to the development of more remote RAAF dental units and the increasing demand for dental prostheses, the Dental Mechanic mustering was established. Unfortunately there was a very limited pool of civilian dental mechanics to recruit from, and as a result the RAAF set up a training school at Laverton (which was later moved to Ascot Vale) in June 1941 which conducted an intensive 6 month course in Dental mechanics. Dental mechanics were quickly in demand. In all fixed and mobile dental units at least 1 Mechanic was supplied for each Dental Officer, and indeed the RAAF supplied Dental Mechanics throughout all its deployments, something the RAF were unwilling, or unable, to do. Two grades of dental mechanic existed: the Senior Mechanic (with the rank of NCO), who was competent in all phases of laboratory work; and the Junior Mechanic, who could only handle routine work and not more advanced denture work. The progression to Senior required a further trade test in techniques including setting up, clasp-forming, casting and backing teeth. During the course of the War, two special courses were held for Mechanics. The first, directed at senior mechanics so that they could instruct others, was in 1942 when Acrylic Resin was first introduced as a denture base material, as an alternative to the current option of vulcanite. Later, towards the end of the War, a ‘refresher' course was provided for those that had served for the greatest period of time in order to allow them retraining in techniques that they had not practised during their service and which were common in civilian life. This included cast base dentures, crowns and bridges, partial dentures, and retainers. Towards the end of the War, a course was held with WAAAF trainees to train them as Mechanics. However, as the War was soon to end they never had the opportunity to progress within the mustering to become Senior Mechanics. The RAAF Dental Branch has survived 75 years of turbulence, with reviews of its viability occurring regularly every few years from as early as 1937. The Branch continues to provide excellent service to the ADF community and, despite reduced manpower, will continue to play an important role in Air Force Health operations. http://www.defence.gov.au/health/about/docs/RAAFDental.pdf40cm cupro-nickel plated medal, the obverse features the sovereign's head, the reverse features the crown and eagle emblem of the RAAF (and RAF). A23814 BOWERS.A. A. F.r.a.a.f long service medal, r.a.a.f good conduct, r.a.a.f. dental service medal

WW2 Merchant Navy Australia, issued by the Commonwealth Government 1940 MN War Service officially-numbered silver lapel badge. A company called Bishop also manufactured badges in Melbourne .Intended as a form of service badge for Australian Merchant Seafarers especially those perhaps serving on the newly armed civilian craft. The term Merchant Navy was coined by King George V in 1919, as recognition of the sacrifice made by merchant seafarers during the First World War.WW2 Merchant Navy war service solid (silver) badge. Initials ‘MN’ enclosed by oval rope motif with crown above. The word ‘Australia’ (UC) displayed beneath. Retains original two-loop lapel fixtures. Officially-numbered 10910 on the back. Inscribed "issued by the Commonwealth Government 1940". "Wallace-Bishop Brisbane".ww2, merchant navy, commonwealth government 1940, badge, war service, australia, mn

non-fictionmerchant navy, ww2