Framed document of Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Citation awarded to 1st Battalion RAR for Gallantry in support of US 173rd Airborne Brigade from May 1965 to June 1966. Presented by Nguyen Cao Ky ( PM 1965-67) + VP (68-71) dated May 14 1996Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Airborne Patch1st battalion rar, 173rd airborne brigade, nguyen cao ky, noble bill

Details a brief history of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam, reason for the award of the South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. AATTV was the highest decorated Unit in the Australian Army during Vietnam being awarded among others 4 Victoria Crosses.Famed certificate for Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation. Award given to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Frame is brown stained wood.cross of gallantry, aattv, vietnam

Unit citation awarded to 8th Batt RAR for search and destroy operations in Phuoc Tuy province. The Battalion were able to destroy the secret zone of Viet Cong main force units causing heavy casualties so population could live safely also help to rebuild roads, bridges, markets, and schoolsvietnamese cross of gallantry

A collection of three medals - South Vietnamese Crosss of Gallantry With PalmBiet-Cong Boi Tinhcross of gallantry, medals

This item was donated by Deborah Sheppard, the daught of Major Walter Sheppard (other name was Vladimir Schestopalow). Major Sheppard was with the Royal Australian Infantry Corps and he served with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) from Sep 1969 to Sep 1970. Copies of Certificate of Service and newspaper clippings relating to Major Wally Sheppard. See media files for more information.major walter sheppard, 37893, royal australian infantry corps, australian army training team vietnam (aattv), certificate of service, general service medal, vietnam medal, national medal, vietnamese campaign medal, republic of vietnam cross of gallantry with palm unit citation, infantry combat badge

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of - Townsville, Queensland, 18/08/1968 right, Major Harry Smith MC Officer Commanding Delta Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australina Regiment, talks with the Prime Minister of Australia The Right Honourable J G Gorton MP at the reception after the trooping of 6 RAR colours after the Battle of Long Tan.photograph, maj harry smith mc, john gorton, d coy, 6 rar/nz, battle of long tan, john gorton, gibbons collection catalogue, prime minister of australia j g gorton mp, officer commanding, delta company, 6 rar/nz (anzac), 6th battalion, the royal australian regiment, trooping of the colour, denis gibbons, townsville, 6776, military cross, star of gallantry

Bronze coloured Medal. Seven sided design with Cross and Circular Sphere in middle with Map and Leaf embossed. Red and Yellow Ribbon. Republic of South Vietnam. Cross of Gallantrymedal, republic of vietnam

Captain Godfrey was awarded a Military Cross for Gallantry whilst serving with the 24th Battalion in 1917. He was killed later that year. He was aged 26.00323.1 Brooch containing Military Cross ribbon H 40mm X W 50 mm 00323.2 Brooch containing Military Cross ribbon H 35mm X W 43mm 00323.3 Brooch containing Military Cross ribbon H 12mm X W 20 mm 00323.1 front of brooch in memory of, back of brooch engraved with dear Mill from Gwen, in memory of captain Tom Godfrey, killed 4/10/1917

Unit Citations awarded to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. On the left, U.S Meritorious Unit Commendation. On the right, South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Citations were awarded to Murray Stanley Metherall. Refer 590.2.Citations X 2 joiined, with pin and clips for uniform. Gold edging on both. One has plain red ribbons, second has red with yellow/red vertical stripes with palm leaf.awards, citations, vietnam, u.s

South Vietnam: Gallantry Cross. (Heroic conduct while fighting the enemy.) ( Palm device is citation for Unit Award.)medals, vietnam, army

Black & white & colour article entitled: Distinguished Flying Cross, Gallantry Awards. Shows photo of a rack of medals probably belonging to Captain Ross Macpherson Smith. Black & white portrait of Captain Ross Macpherson Smith. Right side is large colour picture of ADFC. A small Australian flag in top left corner has wording: Their Service Our Heritage.documents - military history, posters, awards, medals, passchendaele barracks trust

The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation was conferred by General Cao Van Vien, Chief of the Joint General Staff, Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam on 24 October 1970, and officially presented to the 8th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment by Lieutenant General Do Cao Tri, Commander of II Corps and Military Region 3 Vietnam on 29th October 1970. The citation was awarded for "always displaying high morale while co-operating and assisting the Vietnamese people in their struggle against Communism and to defend peace and freedom .. in Military Region III ... Though fighting under the most difficult conditions, the members of the 8th Battalion, 1st Australian Task Force still fought bravely and determinedly and had many glorious victories. Their most remarkable military operations took place in the area of the Long Hai hills... (They also participated ) ... in the civic action programme to assist the local population ( in Military Region 3) to reconstruct their houses, roads, bridges, markets and schools etc. ... thereby bringing great credit to the Royal Australian Armed Forces."2 X paper documents, one in English the other in Vietnamese (mounted with white matt in timber frame). Each has been printed with a decorative blue border, main text in black, official stamp in bottom right corner is red. A blue medal with red and yellow ribbon is printed in centre top of both documents.Republic of Vietnam/ Gallantry Cross/Chief of the General Staff? Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam/ Army Meritorious Commendation/ The 8th Battalion, 1st Australian Task Force/ For the gallantry they displayed under enemy fire./ This Meritorious Commendation ((GALLANTRY CROSS)) is added with (a) palm (leaf)./KBC day 24 month 10 Year 19708rar, koo, arthur koo, citation, gallantry cross, gallantry cross with palm

Notebooks contain training notes, duties and procedures, personnel changes. Morris embarked from Fremantle on 6 June 1916, and won a Military Cross in 1918. Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when the enemy delivered a counter attack and penetrated part of the line. This officer led a party and drove him out, inflicting severe casualties. He set an excellent example to his men.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23 Date: 12 February 1919Collection of (six) notebooks of Captain Morris Lewis (44th Battalion, B Company).ww1, diaries, morris lewis, 44 battalion

Set of four medals. 1. Original - USA Distinguished Service Cross. 2. Original - USA China Relief Expedition Medal 1900 (Navy). 3. Original - USA Antarctica Service Medal Wintered over Clasp. 4. Original - Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.passchendaele barracks trust, pbt196to199, bob english collection, medals, usa

Miniature medals six (6) court mounted. 1. Original - Victoria Cross, 2. Original - Naval Victoria Cross (Pre 1918) 3. Original - George Cross 4. Original - Distinguished Service Order 5. Original - Imperial Service Medal (Elizabeth 11) 6. Original - Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.passchendaele barracks trust, pbt177to182, bob english collection, miniature medals

Display Gallantry Decorations that have and can be awarded to Australian Armed Forces personnel. Replica Victoria Cross, Replica Cross of Valour, Replica Star of Gallantry, Replica Star of Courage, Replica Medal Distinguished Service Cross, Replica Conspicuous Service Cross, Replica Nursing Cross, Replica Military Cross, Replica Distinguished Flying Cross, Replica Medal of Gallantry, Replica Bravery Medal, Replica Distinguished Service Medal, Replica Conspicuous Service Medal, Replica Military Medal, Replica Group Bravery Citation, Replica Unit Citation for Bravery. One (1) set of 14 replica Australian Gallantry Decorations placed on a display board titled Board No. 1. There is an attached list of these decorations. Each decoration has it's appropriate title placed underneath the decoration.No Inscriptions as these are replica medals. Decorations titles are placed underneath the award. Right hand corner of the Board identifies - from the “Bob English Collection”medals, gallantry, decorations, passchendaele barracks trust

Invitation to two Anzac ceremonies at St Kilda in 1956: a talk by Lawrence McCarthy VC and the screening of films 'Exercise Alphabet' and 'Jungle Fighters' at St Kilda Town Hall on 22 April 1956; and a ceremony at the St Kilda Cenotaph on 25 April 1956. Lawrence Dominic McCarthy, VC (21 January 1892 – 25 May 1975) was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, for action in World War I.White card printed in black on one side, including City of St Kilda logoanzac day, lawrence dominic mccarthy vc, film - jungle fighters, film - exercise alphabet

The 2017 Official Coin Collection – Legends of the Anzacs: Medals of Honour – commemorates 14 significant military honours (both Imperial and Australian honours) awarded to Australians throughout the 100 years of Anzac. This folder contains all 14 coins released as part of the News Corp program including the 4 unique issue 25 cent coins. Each coin design explores a different medal and the stories behind them, inspired by images supplied by the Australian War Memorial, Gary Ramage and the Australian Government Department of Defence. Coins presented in a card, which can be housed in the display folder. The themes featured in this collection include: Twenty Five Cent Coins: Victoria Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Medal for Gallantry, George Cross. Twenty Cent Coins: Star of Gallantry, Distinguished Service Cross, Nursing Service Cross, Military Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Victory Medal, 1939 - 1945 Star, Australian Active Service Medal 1945 - 1975, Australian Operational Service Medal, Australian Defence Medal.military, world war 2, legends of the anzac

Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Cecil Maygar, VC, DSO, VD (27 May 1868 – 1 November 1917) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was awarded the VC for facilitating the rescue of a dismounted man while under severe rifle fire in 1902 during the Second Boer War. He later served with the 4th Australian Light Horse at Gallipoli during the First World War, and died of wounds after being strafed during the Battle of Beersheba as part of the Sinai and Palestine campaign while commanding the 8th Australian Light Horse..Framed colour photograph of headstone at the grave of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC.maygar, grave, world war, wwi

Instituted in 1914, the Military Cross (MC) was issued for gallantry in presence of the enemy to warrant and junior officers of the Army who were ineligible (on account of their rank) for the Distinguished Service Order. During the First World War, it was also available to equivalent ranks in the Royal Naval Division and Royal Marines and it later became available to equivalent ranks in the RAF for acts of gallantry on land. The equivalent award for the other ranks for gallantry on land in presence of the enemy was the Military Medal (MM) which had been instituted in 1916 and, similarly to the MC, later became available to RAF other ranks serving on the ground. This medal was awared to Pte H. S Holgate for bravery in the field in 1917. Pte Holgate was killed in action at Zonnebeke 11 October 1917. Historical and social significance for schoolSilver medal with a swivelling suspension. features King George the V, uncrowned, in Field Marshal's uniform on the obverse. The medal reverse depicts the crowned royal cypher over the words "FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD" all within a laurel wreath. Impressed around edge are the recipient's details. The ribbon has a central stripe of thin red and white lines flanked by equally sized stripes of navy. Inscribed around obverse: 'GEORGIVS V BRITT: O[M]N: REX ET IND: IMP:' Inscribed in centre of reverse below royal insignia : 'FOR/BRAVERY/IN THE/FIELD' Impressed around OUTER edge of medal: '4303 PTE H. S. HOLGATE. 8/COY AUST. M.G.C.' Notation on original box A./Cpl H.S.Holgate 29Bn AIF 51531/Decd. 43031917, medals, military medal, world war i, w w 1, holgate, private h s holgate, zonnebeke, holgate medal

Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Cecil Maygar, VC, DSO, VD (27 May 1868 – 1 November 1917) was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was awarded the VC for facilitating the rescue of a dismounted man while under severe rifle fire in 1902 during the Second Boer War. He later served at Gallipoli during the First World War, and died of wounds after being strafed during the Battle of Beersheba as part of the Sinai and Palestine campaign. The Maygar Club was the Other Ranks club at firstly Buna Barracks Albury, later at North Bandiana and currently at Latchford Barracks Bonegilla. The framed artwork was removed from the Club at Buna Barracks when the regiment relocated to Bandiana and placed in the Heritage Collection.Framed black and white reproduction of a photograph of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Magyar together with a interpretive panel and a donor's plaque.Presented to Maygar Club by Sgt C Bruce Dec 97-Dec 99maygar, wwi, world war one, boer war, victoria cross

Photograph of a painted portrait of L/- Stan Savige. The signature appears to be 'Manders '45'. He appears to be in uniform and could be from his service in World War 2. Stanley Savige is seen as the founder of Legacy when it was founded in Melbourne in September 1923. He was born in Morwell Victoria on 26/6/1890. He served in the Australian Army between 1915 and 1946, including service in both World Wars. Stanley Savige was awarded a KBE, CB, DSO, MC,ED. Stanley George Savige was born in Victoria in 1890, and enlisted in the AIF (Private 577) in March 1915. He served with 24 Battalion at Gallipoli, and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant prior to the evacuation, at which he was part of the final holding party at Lone Pine. In France he saw service with 6 Brigade Headquarters as well as with his battalion, and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry at the second battle of Bullecourt. In 1918, he became one of a small number of Australians selected for service with 'Dunsterforce' in Persia, commanding 'Urmia Force', and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Between the wars, Savige continued his military career with the Militia, and by 1939 he held the rank of colonel. When the 2nd AIF was raised, he was placed in command of 17 Brigade, which he led through the campaigns in Libya, Greece and Syria, before being promoted to command 3 Division (Militia) in New Guinea. In 1944, he was appointed GOC 2 Corps, in command of forces engaged in the campaign on Bougainville, and accepted the Japanese surrender there in September 1945. Lieutenant General Savige was knighted (KBE) in 1950, and died in 1954. He is widely remembered for his efforts between the wars in founding the Legacy Clubs (which he modelled on the 'Remembrance Club' formed in Hobart by his friend and former commander Sir John Gellibrand in 1923) to care for the dependants of deceased servicemen and ex-servicemen. These clubs grew into a nation wide organisation which, by the time of Savige's death, was supporting over 80 000 widows and children.This is a photographic portrait of the founder of the first Legacy Club in Australia, Sir Stanley Savige.Black and white photo of a painting of Sir Stan Savige printed onto a postcard.Stamped with 'Photograph No. MH 91859 Supplied by Military History Section (S.D.9,) General Staff L.H.Q. For official purposes ONLY, NOT TO BE PUBLISHED' in purple ink.savige, portrait, stan savige, founding legatees

Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WW1 was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land he worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. Mr Watson was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.These images are significant because they record the service of a prominent member of the Wodonga community.A collection of black of white images of Kenneth Darnton Watson of Wodonga.kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

This cigarette case was owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson and carried into battle during World War I. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WWI was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land he worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. Mr Watson was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.This item is significant because it was owned by a decorated Australian serviceman and prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver cigarette case owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson of Wodonga. The inside contains straps to hold the cigarettes in place. Both the front and back have been engraved.On front: KDW On back: 1919kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

This cup was awarded to Kenneth Darnton Watson when he was a boarder and competitive rower whilst completing his secondary education. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WW1 was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau Homestead, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land Kenneth worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. he was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.These images are significant because they record the service of a prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver mug awarded to K D Watson as a rowing trophy in April 1909. It features the shield of Melbourne Church of England Grammar School (M.C.E.G.S.), as well as his name and the event for which it was awarded.View 1: M.C.E.G.S. April 1909 Regatta View 2: Crest of MECEGS featuring motto "Ora et Labora" View 3: BOARDERS FOUR K. D. WATSON 3kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

John James Davis (J.J. Davis) was Australia's most decorated NCO in the Vietnam conflict. This plaque commemorates the deeds he performed and medals received.Framed ceremonial medal board for JJ Davis. The piece includes a service photograph of JJ Davis in uniform, a fabric patch with the Australian Coat of Arms, five metal pins and 13 replica medals as listed below. The information plaque states '5411313 WO1 J.J. DAVIS, SB St J, MM, JP - RAAMC - 30 JAN 1963 - 30 JAN 1986. The five metal pins are: 1. Returned Services League Australia 2. Returned Active Service 3. RAAMC 4. Royal Australian Army Medical Corps 5. Knife surrounded by laurel leaves. Replica medals included are: 1. Military Medal 2. Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75, Vietnam 3. Vietnam Medal 4. Defence Force Medal with 1st Clasp 5. National Medal 6. Australian Defence Medal 7. St John 12 Year Long Service Medal with five year clasp 8. Silver Star (Unites States of America) 9. Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star (South Vietnam) 10. The Armed Forces Honour Medal (2nd Class) (South Vietnam) 11. Civil Action Medal (2nd Class) (South Vietnam) 12. Vietnamese Campaign Medal 13. ACT Emergency Service Medal (2003 Bushfires) john jams davis, john james davis, j j davis, vietnam, nco, photographs, portraits, badges, medals

Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith is a famous Australian, well known in civil aviation history for his courageous endeavours in flight. He broken many flight records for long distance and time travelled and he was also a war hero in World War 1. He has been referred to as being “known to millions of Australians as “Smithy” … he was one of Australia’s true twentieth-century legends”. In honour of his place amongst the world’s famous pioneers his image is featured on Australia’s $20 note, Sydney airport is named after him, there is a memorial to Kingsford Smith, Taylor and Ulm at the Anderson Park, also in Sydney and his plane “Southern Cross” is on view at Brisbane Airport. Kingsford Smith wrote ‘The Old Bus’ (1932) and he and Ulm were co-authors of ‘Story of 'Southern Cross' Trans-Pacific Flight’ (1928). His also wrote a book about his own life ‘My Flying Life’ which was published after his death in 1937. and the story of his life was filmed in Australia in 1946. A BRIEF HISTORY OF SIR CHARLES EDWARD KINGSFORD SMITH (1897 – 1935) … Kingsford Smith was born 9th February 1897 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His parents were William Charles Smith and Catherine Mary, nee Kingsford. His mother’s maiden name of “Kingsford” was added to the family name when they spent time in Canada from around 1903 to 1907, after which they returned to Sydney, Australia. In 1915 Kingsford Smith enlisted in Australian Imperial Force. He served in 4th Signal Troop, 2nd Division Signal Company at Gallipoli Peninsular as a ‘sapper’ or combat engineer and later in Egypt and in France as a dispatch rider. In 1916 Kingsford Smith was transferred to the Australian Flying Corps as a sergeant. He was discharged after training in England and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. He was appointed fling officer and soon joined the 23rd Squadron in France. He brought down four machines in his first month there and also did invaluable work attacking enemy targets. He was wounded and shot down and later awarded the Military Cross ‘for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty’. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1918 and served as a Flying Instructor with the R.F.C. Kingsford Smith was not allowed to participate in the 1919 England to Australia air race because of assumed lack of navigational experience. He and his pilot friend Cyril Maddocks formed a business and flew joy-flights in both England and America. In America he did some stunt flying with a Flying Circus. Kingsford Smith returned to Australia in 1921 and found employment as a pilot. He soon realised the value of air transport in such a vast country. He formed a partnership with pilot Keith Anderson in 1924 and they purchased two Bristol Tourer biplanes. Their business broadened to include Charles Ulm and became the Interstate Flying services in Sydney. Together they performed important ‘demonstration’ flights including a flight around Australia in 10 days and 5 hours using very limited navigational equipment. Kingsford Smith immediately started to search for support to do a trans-Pacific flight. This support came from the New South Wales government, Sidney Myer and G. Allan Hancock, an American oil magnate. On 31st May 1928 Kingsford Smith, Charles Ulm and two American crewmen, Harry Lyan and Jim Warner, took off from Oakland, California and flew to Brisbane via Hawaii and Suva. This historic flight took 83 hours and 38 minutes. Their Fokker plane had three engines and was named the “Southern Cross”. This amazing achievement resulted in huge financial subscriptions. Kingsford Smith was awarded the Air Force Cross and appointed as honorary squadron leader, Royal Australian Air Force. Kingsford Smith flew his Southern Cross plane from Point Cook in Victoria to Perth nonstop. Then in September – October 1928, with Charles Ulm and an Australian crew, he piloted the Southern Cross from Sidney to Christchurch New Zealand. This flight showed that was possible for regular passenger and mail services across the Tasman Sea. Kingsford Smith flew his plane to England to an order for four aircraft, planning to use them for an inter-capital air service in Australia. Sadly on 1st April 1929 he was forced to land, having lost radio contact with the ground and having run into bad weather over north – west Australia. Keith Anderson and Robert Hitchcock both perished before the search party reached them. Once official enquiries were completed the flight to England continued in June and was completed in record time of 12 days and 18 hours. In January 1930 Kingsford Smith piloted the “Southern Cloud”, one of the new Avro Ten planes, on the first flight of his airline, the Australian National Airways, from Sydney to Melbourne. The “Southern Cross” was overhauled in Holland by the Fokker Aircraft Co. and in June 1930 Kingsford Smith achieved an east-west crossing of the Atlantic from Ireland to Newfoundland in 31.5 hours. Kingsford Smith returned to England and took delivery of an Avro Avian biplane that he named the “Southern Cross Junior” and flew solo from England to Darwin, Australia. This record breaking flight took less than 10 days. He beat four other planes that had left England before him and he was 5.5 days faster than Hinkler. Sadly Kingsford Smith’s “Southern Cloud” was lost during a flight from Sydney to Melbourne in 1931 with no surviving crew or passengers; in 1958 the wreckage was discovered in the Snowy Mountains. Later that year Kingsford Smith flew his “Southern Cloud” from Australia to Timor, collecting mail from a damaged Imperial Airways plane in Timor. Other flights followed. Kingsford Smith was knighted in 1932 for his services in Aviation. He returned to selling joy flights then established the Kingsford Smith Air Service, a flying training school in Sydney. In 1933 Kingsford Smith flew the amazing record flight in “Miss Southern Cross” – a Percival Gull - from London to Wyndham in Western Australia in just over ten days. The Australian Commonwealth then gave Kingsford Smith a large grant and he was also appointed as aviation consultant to Vacuum Oil Co. Another flying record was made when Kingsford Smith and Sir P.G. Taylor flow “Lady Southern Cross” from Brisbane to San Francisco in order to sell her there; the west-east-trans-Pacific flight made aviation history. They returned to Australia to make an attempt at the trans-Tasman flight but their attempt failed due to engine failure; they managed to get back to Sydney safely, minus most of their cargo. Kingsford Smith had his unsold “Lady Southern Cross” shipped back to England, from where he and J. T. Pethybridge in the “Lady Southern Cross” attempted another record breaking flight from England The Old Bus Author: Charles Kingsford Smith Publisher: Distibuted by Herald Feature Service Date; 1932Label on spine cover with typed text RA 629.1309 KIN flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, the old bus, charles kingsford smith

A Copy of the Victoria Cross for display only purpose.Copy of Victoria Cross for Lara R.S.L. Display purposes only.Victoria Cross Medal with Red RibbonOn Reverse it a marking stating COPY. The Victoria Cross for Australia is the highest award in the Australian Honours System, superseding the British Victoria Cross for issue to Australians. The Victoria Cross for Australia is the "decoration for according recognition to persons who in the presence of the enemy, perform acts of the most conspicuous gallantry, or daring or pre-eminent acts of valour or self-sacrifice or display extreme devotion to duty. The Victoria Cross for Australia was created by letters patent signed by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, on 15 January 1991. It is listed equal first with the British Victoria Cross on the Australian Order of Wear with precedence in Australia over all orders, decorations and medals. The decoration may be awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force and to other persons determined by the Australian Minister for Defence.] A person to whom the Victoria Cross for Australia has been awarded is entitled to the post nominals VC placed after the person's name.copy of victoria cross