Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A plaque commemorating "Albury's Own" - the 2/23rd Battalion. It incorprates the Unit badge and a a list of battlefronts they served in as part of the 9th Brigade. The Latin in the centre of the badge translates as "I will either find a way or make one". In circular badge "ALBURY'S OWN/ 2/23 RD BN. AUT VIAM INVENIAM AUT FACIAM " On metal oblong "9th DIVISION /EL ALAMEIN -TOBRUK- LAE/ SATELEBERG - TARAKAN"world war 11, 2/23rd battailon, albury's own

Item in a collection re E.M. Collihole VX35201, refer Cat No 7235 for his service details. Programme - paper, cream coloured with black print and illustrations, 12 pages.“Programme - 9th Aust. Division. July 1944”, “Divisional Parade - Race Meeting - Rodeo”race programme, 9th aust divison, ww2

Item kept by Colin McMURRAY VX33785, 2/12th Field Regt 9th Div. Refer Cat No 132 for his service detailsNewsletter, yellowed paper, typed in Black with small cartoon. Paper is the " TOBRUK TRUTH the Dinkum oil." Contents are taken from a BBC broadcast relating to War news. Frame is wood stained.radio broadcast transcript, military history, newsletters

This diorama is the introductory feature in the World War 2 Gallery - New Guinea and Islands area. A private soldier is shown in mixture of green and khaki uniforms, US style long leggings, long trousers with Thompson and Owen guns.The diorama shows the gradual introduction of green uniform elements and recognition of passive anti malaria measures (long sleeve and long pants)1:1 scale diorama showing soldier of Australian soldier of the 7th Division at the time of the advance into the Markham and Ramu Valleys, September 1943ramu, markham, shaggy ridge, 7th division, 9th division

Bookaustralia, army, division 9th., battles of tobruk 1941-42, pictorial works, world war 1939-1945

Stand Easy - After the Defeat of Japan 1945; Green hardcover with light green text and picture of soldier. The spine also has light green text of title. The inside front and back covers have green art geometric patterns. Illustrations, photographs, cartoons: 208 pages non-fiction A collection of personal stories which extended from the collection of Khaki and Green. The service numbers have been used to identify those who have contributed to the content.blamey, nerve war, medical evacuation, 2nd australian corps, surrender of japan, bougainville, borneo, 5th australian division, 6th australian division, 7th australian division, 9th australian division, tarakan, military - history, warfare

Short overview on the Rats of Tobruk and members of the 9th Division known as the Glorious Ninth who served during the siege of Tobruk during WW2Black timber frame containing white paper with black type.Rats of Tobruk Lest We Forget rats of tobruk, 9th division, siege of tobruk

Dark green buckram hard cover with illustrated end papers in dark greens & white. 378 pages. Illustrated with black & white photos & some diagrams. Photo of Editor on fly leaf & coloured photo & article stuck onto following fly leafs.Between pages 20 - 21 a slip of paper bearing legend 2nd 24th Bat. Frank Burdon 215692 Overleaf: Killed in action or died of wounds in WW2 (376) On end paper, front, stamped: A O Smith 156 Templeton St Wangaratta 3677 Handwritten: Donated by Laurie Schillingbooks- history, military

VX 42774 Captain Robert (Bob) Fyffe, a grazier from Tocumwal, NSW, served with the Tocumwal troop of the 20th Light Horse prior to WWII (1939-46). He enlisted at the outbreak of war and served with the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment in North Africa. During the attack on Trig 22 on 17 July 1942 Captain Fyffe commanding a composite squadron manoeuvred his tanks to knock out machine guns and anti-tank guns enabling 2/32 Battalion to capture the objective. Captain Fyffe was awarded the Military Cross for his leadership and courage in the action. This was 9th Division Cavalry's first tank action of the war.Fine example of a uniform worn by a well known grazier and citizen soldier of the Tocumwal district, southern NSW, in both peace and war.Khaki wool serge officer's tunic with leather Sam Browne belt and revolver holster, and slouch hat with emu plumes and 20th Light Horse hat badge against red backing. Tunic has 20th Light Horse colour patches. overseas service chevrons and ribbon bar for Military Cross, 39-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence medal, British War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45; metal Australia shoulder titles captain's rank stars and Rising Sun collar badges. Uniform worn by Captain Robert Fyffe MC, 20th Light Horse and 6th Division Cavalry Regiment AIF.. uniform, fyffe robert captain mc, 20th light horse, 9th division cavalry regiment, military cross

The 9th Division Cavalry Regiment served with distinction in North Africa, Syria and South West Pacific during World War Two.Framed display of photograph and medals of Trooper George Fear 9th Division Cavalry.VX56755 Tpr George Reginal Fear (Baldy) 9th Div Cav Regtworld war two, wwii, fear, 9 div cav

WW2 Puggaree for a slouch Hat with 9th Division Cavalry colour patch.

Leaflet dropped from German/Italian aircraft on to Australian troops defending El Alamein during 1942. These propagander leaflets were designed to lower moral of defending troops, but were generally unsuccessful. This item relates to the history of the defence of El Alamein by Australian Forces in the Middle East 1942, and the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese in 1942.Printed paper, colour black white. top of pamphlet depicts a stylized platypus and boomerang - the 9th Division's Formation Sign, with text below. Printed on pamphlet "Diggers! / you are defending / Alamein Box! / What about / Port Darwin?" world war two, el alamein, propaganda, leaflet, plane drop, port darwin, diggers, platypus, boomerang

Noted with Sword. This Japanese sword was received by 2/8th Australian Field Regiment at the surrender at Miri, Borneo in 1945. The Regiment served in the Middle East (1940-43) as part of the 9th Australian Division. It's final action was in Boreo, once again with 9th Division. A Japanese Officer's sword. Hasornate inlay of shell covered with flat braided cord. Flat braided strap with tassles -brown and blue- Top end of hilt is leather with gold guilt scrolling. Brass very ornate with lotus. Scabbard is steel with ornate decorations. Steel blade.

Black Framed Certificate for Combat Service Awarded to CPL JS Archbold 9th Infantry Divisionframed certificate, cpl js archbold

Coal was used to run the Water Distillation Plant in Tobruk during the Seige. On plaque, "London Branch", This may actually be "Loddon Branch". Item in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer cat No 5919P for his service details..1) Base with model depiction of a soldier pushing a coal truck loaded, wood, metal, construction, each side has a brass plaque on the coal truck base, the lower base has a black plaque on..1) Brass plaque, "9th Division 1941", "replica of trucks used to carry coal". .2) On lid, "Donated by LONDON Branch R.O.T.A"sovenir, model, tobruk, coal

Mick Evans (E.H.) Evans, VX10125, 9th Division, 2nd/1st Field Workshop. This story was transcribed from 9 x 90 minute audio tapes recorded by Mick Evans several years before his death. The book was completed in 2000 just before Mick's death.One man's story of life during World War II, in particular as a "Rat of Tobruk".Spiral bound book, 95 p., illus. (some col.). Clear plastic outer cover. Printed cover has title, Rats of Tobruk Association logo and Australian flag.Inside front cover: "From Betty, Shirley, June and Mary Evans"mick evans, june hall, tobruk, australian army, world war ii.

Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle East.Some images have inscriptions on verso. These are included in the title information displayed with each image as it is clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton, syrian campaign, rats of tobruk, cairo

9th Australian Division Cavalry Regiment Christmas Card from Middle East December 1942. 57/60 Battalion AIF Invitation to "Welcome Home Dance" St Kilda Town Hall. Tuesday 21st May 1946.

Photo, Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle EastSome photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the image is clicked on2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton

Photo, Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle EastSome photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the image is clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton

On A4 paper is a copy from the Department of the Army, Company B, 3D Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, APO San Francisco 96371. See the photograph for the details of the letter. It is signed by William L Forrester, 1LT, Infantry Commanding.department of the army, company b, 3d battalion, 39th infantry, 9th infantry division, apo san francisco, flt lt g.g. cooper, garry cooper, william l forrester, infantry commanding, 0219964, pilot, distinguished flying cross, australian force vietnam, raaf, royal australian air force

W.F.R.Budge VX48105. Refer Cat No 2721 for his service details.Black & white photo with basic details of the military service of Major William Frank Rouden BUDGE. White cardboard, black printing. Red velvet cardboard backing display board.Top: “William Frank Rouden Budge” Centre: “Major” Left: “Enlistment 1940, Centre: Photo of Major BUDGE, Right: Discharged 1947” Centre: “2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion 9th Division AIF”document, service, passchendaele barracks trust, 2/24th, tobruk

The Hutton Trophy or Shield was awarded annually to the best Light Horse Troop in Australia. The trophy is now held at the Armoured Centre Puckapunyal. Inter-regimental competition was strong in the years between WWI and WWII. Annually, the best troop in the regiments of the 3rd (Vic), 4th (SA), 5th (WA) and 6th (Tas) Military Districts competed for the Hutton Trophy and the Lord Forster Cup. The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII.No 1 Troop C Squadron 20th Light Horse Regiment drawn from the farming community of Tocumwal, personified the strength of citizen soldiering in rural Victorian and Southern NSW in the period following World War One and especially in the years immediately prior to the second World War. Building on the strength and enthusiasm of the Tocumwal Troop other Troops were raised at Finley, Berigan and Jerilderie. The Tocumwal Troop won the coveted Hutton Trophy in 1937 and 1938, defeating crack Troops from other States.Rare photograph of presentation of iconic RAAC trophy. Complements other items in the collection.Black and white photograph of two soldiers in Light Horse uniform with large trophy being Colonel G.A. Street MC presenting the Hutton Trophy to Sergeant H.G. Fyffe, troop leader of the Tocumwal Troop 20th Light Horse, winners of the 1937 competition. Sergeant Fyffe, later Captain Fyffe, 9th Division Cavalry Regiment served in North Africa and was awarded the Military Cross. hutton, light horse, fyffe, street, military, trophy

This book is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Tobruk and El Alamein This volume's main theme is the 9th Australian Division's contribution in 1941-1942 to the defeat in North Africa of the German and Italian Army commanded by Field Marshal Rommel. Author: Barton Maughan Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1966Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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, great ocean road, australia in the war of 1939-1945 tobruk and el alamein, australia in the war of 1939-1945, australian war memorial, barton maughan

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion and deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the war, 1945. 20th Light horse was the only light horse unit to serve overseas in WWII. Lieutenant Fyffe enlisted at the outbreak of war and served as VX 42774 with the 9th Division Cavalry Regiment in North Africa and was promoted to captain. During the attack on Trig 22 on 17 July 1942, Captain Fyffe, commanding a composite squadron, manoeuvred his tanks to knock out machine guns and anti-tank guns enabling 2/32 Battalion to capture the objective. Captain Fyffe was awarded the Military Cross for his leadership and courage in the action. This was 9th Division Cavalry's first tank action of the war. This is one of a collection of mugs presented by Officers of a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period between the World WarsSilver plated mug with handle and inscribed on side"20th Australian Light Horse Officer's Mess. Presented by Lieutenant H.G. Fyffe" and on base "Rigert EPNSAI 10 "officers' mess, 20th light horse, fyffe h g

In July 1940 the 2/24th Battalion was formed. They set off from Caulfield for the still-being-built Bonegilla camp, stopping off at Wangaratta where they camped at the showgrounds. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as ‘Wangaratta’s Own’. Presented with a 14 foot pennant the Battalion marched through the streets of Wangaratta on 27 September 1940 on the way to Bonegilla. Training continued in Bonegilla until the soldiers sailed on HMT Strathmore for the Middle East on 16 November. The Battalion was eventually attached to the 9th Australian Division, one of the most famous army fighting formations in World War 2. They served in Tobruk (1941) Tel el Eisa (1942), El Alemain (1942), New Guinea (1943) and Tarakan (1945).During the Tobruk siege the 9th Division was called the ‘The Rats of Tobruk’ by William Joyce, the German propagandist. The 2/24th Battalion suffered more casualties than any other 2nd AIF Battalion – 360 killed and 900 wounded. Brown lacquered wood shield with a silver metal 2/24 symbol on it.2/24 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATALLION TOBRUK . THE SALIENT . TEL EL EISA . EL ALAMEIN . LAE . NADZAB . WAREO . TARAKAN I HOLD FAST

Major General Sir Alan Hollick Ramsay, Director of Education 1948-1960 when he retired. He was born 12 March, 1895 and began teaching in 1912. He enlisted in the AIF as a gunner - 21/07/1915. He resumed teaching on his return from the War in 1919. In 1939 he enlisted in the 2nd AIF as Commander Royal Artillery 9th Division. He was appointed GOC (Major General) of 5th Division. He returned to the Education Department, eventually becoming Director of Education and served under both a Labour and Liberal Premier.Certificate printed on beige paper. Name and signature added Certificate number - 23344 Signature of Director: Alan H Ramsay Certificate made out to Donald George Furlong