The story of this gold fob watch is intriguing. The letter is dated March 6, 1905, 27 years after the Loch Ard was wrecked. It appears to be a quick personal note from a relative or friend who briefly writes the history of the enclosed ‘souvenir’ watch, found in Loch Ard Gorge at Port Campbell. Although the finder is not named, it is likely the letter’s author. The writer mentions that the letter and watch would be sent once photographs of the area where the watch was found had been added. The fancy, lined envelope’s date stamp is October 12th, 1917 (12.10.17), almost 12 years after the letter was written. It has a postmark from Florence (Firenze), Italy. The handwriting on the envelope differs from that of the letter, and there is no further mention of photographs being included. The condition of the watch certainly shows the effects of time in the sea. Some inner workings can be seen through broken encrustations and missing sections of its case. The winding knob on the top is recognisable even though it is covered by sand and other adhesions from the sea. Its dainty size and gold case suggest that it was made for a well-to-do female. The watch, envelope and letter were donated along with a 1971 newspaper cutting, all neatly folded and tucked with the watch into a small, strong cardboard box with metal reinforcing on the corners and a fitted lid. The newspaper article gives context to the watch, telling the story of the Loch Ard shipwreck tragedy and the two survivors, but does not refer to the watch. Perhaps one of the 17 passengers sailing on the Loch Ard, including members of the Carmichael family, owned the watch, or maybe it was amongst the cargo, as the ship’s manifest includes ‘clocks and watches £25’. . Considering the dates of the letter and the envelope, did the finder of the ‘souvenir’ watch take it to Europe? Was it used for good luck during service in the military? . Comparing the different writing on the letter and the envelope, does it suggest that the watch’s finder was overseas and asked someone to send the envelope to the intended recipient, with postage from Italy? ABOUT the address, “Glencove”: The details on the envelope are faint and obscured by stiff creases in the paper. The address appears to be “Mrs J. Mortton, Glencove, Portsea, Victoria, Australia”; though the family at that address had the surname “Morton”. Mrs J. Morton, formerly Elizabeth Ford, married her second husband, James Morton, in 1904, the year before the date of the letter. The couple lived at the Nepean Hotel before they were at “Glencove”. Although they never owned that property, it was their home when James died in 1937. Elizabeth’s nephew, Alfred Sandle Ford (1894-1981), and a nephew-in-law were overseas during World War I. Alfred Ford had moved to Melbourne as a young boy with his father. He entered service as Second Lieutenant in 1915, naming his father, Alfred Sandle Ford, as his next of kin. He served in Egypt, France and Belgium with the Australian Imperial Forces as a member of the Field Artillery Brigades. He returned to Melbourne in 1919 and worked in Richmond and Box Hill. He later married Frances Whyburn. Previously, in 1872, Elizabeth Ford’s sister, Julia Ford, acquired the 1-acre property with a 3-room house that became known as “Glencove”, Portsea. The building was originally the first school in the area, established before Crown Land sales. In the Parish of Nepean, it was first assessed for rates in 1871. Julia Ford (1843-1912) and Elizabeth Ford (1859-1957) were daughters of James Sandle Ford (1811-1890), a well-known pioneer of Portsea, formerly a convict limeburner. James Ford acquired several Crown allotments in Portsea. In 1872, he converted his old hotel into the large residential establishment known as the Nepean Hotel, which his family largely ran until it was demolished in 1971. During those years, different family members lived at the Nepean Hotel or Glencove. In 1877, Julia Ford married a significant landowner, John Cain, a limeburner from Rye. They had five daughters, four of whom were never married; Kathleen (1880-1949), Mabel (1881-1973), who was the last family member to own the house until her death, Hilda (1884-1974) and Julia Ethel (1888-1949). Some of the newspaper records refer to “Glencove”, Portsea, inform that: 1927 - Dr. and Mrs. J. E. Shilliday are staying with Mrs. R. B. Sanderson at Glencove. (Australasian) 1937 - James Morton died at his property, Glencove, Portsea, aged 83 years (Argus) 1949 - Julia Ethel Cain died at Glencove, Portsea. (Argus) 1949 - Probate application by sisters of Julia Ethel Cain, deceased, formerly of Nepean Hotel, Portsea, but late of Glencove, Nepean Highway, Portsea. The connection of the watch with the sands of Loch Ard Gorge and to the ship Loch Ard contributes to our knowledge of personal items brought to Australia in 1878, whether as the belongings of a passenger or as cargo; a gold watch would be intended for a wealthy buyer. The little artefact helps us understand the survival of artefacts in the powerful sea, over a quarter of a century after the wreck of the ship. Although many people would have visited the shipwreck site, the length of time before it was found helps us understand the effects of the sea on shipwreck artefacts. The survival of the carefully packaged watch and related documents shows the respectful understanding of preservation of historic artefacts, even from almost 150 years ago at the time of writing (2025). Ladies' fob watch, thought to be gold. It is now covered in encrustation. A bump on the edge would be the winding mechanism for the watch. A small section of the back of the case has broken away, and an engraved surface can be seen. Face and hands are missing, revealing the spring workings inside. Donated with the watch were two documents and a newspaper cutting about the story of the shipwreck of the Loch Ard. They are all in a strong cardboard box with reinforced corners on the base and lid. Found at Loch Ard Gorge and said to have been from the Loch Ard. The three donated documents are: - 1. A rectangular envelope made of cream waxy paper lined with black and white diagonally striped paper. The top right corner, usually meant for a postage stamp, has been torn off, partly exposing text on a rectangular printed logo. A round black postmark stamp near the top centre shows the post office location and date. The address on the front is handwritten in black ink. The creases on the envelope suggest it has been folded three times. 2. A letter on cream rectangular paper features clear, handwritten script in black ink. The unevenly cut bottom edge has two short black vertical lines, possibly the tops of tall written letters. There are creases where the page has been folded three times. 3. A newspaper clipping featuring text, an illustration, and handwritten details of the newspaper’s source.1. Envelope: - Address: ”Australia (per Postage) / [looks like “Mrs J. Mortton”] / Glencove, (Portsea) / Victoria” Postmark: “FIRENZE” 12 10 17” “ - - - -PORTEN – (illegible)” Logo inside envelope: “BUSTA BRE--- / Earliera Lialia” [Italian; Busta = envelope, Earliera == earlier] 2. Letter: - “I am sending you a ‘souvenir’ from the wreck of the Loch Ard 28 years ago at Port Campbell. It is the remains of a lady’s gold watch found in the gorge where Miss Carmichael & Tom Pearce (the only two saved) were washed up. This souvenir was lying there ever since. I went down into the awful gorge & saw the cave where these two unfortunates (or fortunate perhaps, as they were saved) lived until rescued. I also saw the graves of those who were washed up from the wreck. One grave contains Dr and Mrs Carmichael & six of their children. Later on, when I can get some good views of that wild coast I will send them to you. 6/3/05.” 3. Newspaper cutting: - History of the Lochard. Refer to the Sydney Morning Herald, Nov. 28th, 1971: “Loch Ard: the wreck that became a legend” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch ard, eva carmichael, tom pearce, loch ard gorge, loch ard souvenir, port campbell, miss carmichael, mrs carmichael, dr carmichael, 1878, loch ard: the wreck that became a legend, ladies fob watch, gold watch, fob watch, pocket watch, horology, accessory, time keeping, scientific instrument, ladies' watch, ladies' pocket watch, lady's watch, souvenir watch, survivor, clocks and watches, diagonally striped envelope lining, firenze, busta, earliera, florence, italy, glencove, portsea, victoria, 1905, 1917, nepean hotel, moreton, morton, elizabeth morton, mrs j. morton, james morton, elizabeth ford, julia ford, alfred sandle ford, frances whyburn, james sandle ford, john cain, kathleen cain, mabel cain, hilda cain, julia ethel cain, australian imperial forces, field artillery brigades, limeburner

Harold Thomas Victor George joined the Australian Imperial Force on 19 May 1916. He was 19 years old at the time. In October of 1916, Harold embarked for overseas deployment, arriving in Plymouth in January 1917. In October 1917 he received a gun shot wound and compound fracture to his upper thigh while on active duty. He was hospitalised at Rouen, later transferred to England and, in May 1918, returned to Australia for discharge. Harold's mother, Amelia George, was listed on his attestation papers as his next of kin, with a note that his father was absent. Amelia lived in Murrembeena. It's likely Harold lived with his mother as well, while working on the Victorian Railways. Sepia toned photograph of a man in a World War I uniform, adhered to heavy brown card.Handwritten on reverse: George / 1916 / Bombardier / Harold George / Field Artillery / Brigade / AIF / No. 27511 world war i, military uniform, field artillery

Photograph from the Australian War Memorial website of Harold Athelstane Abbott in an A.I.F uniform of the 4th Field Artillery Brigade, aged 26Studio Portraitperson, individual, harold athelstane abbott, harold athelstane abbott, 4th field artillery brigade

WW1 diaries recorded by Frederick Lieberman while on active service in Egypt and Western Europe, and maintained until just prior to his death at Villers-Bretonneaux in August 1918.Three WW1 soft-cover pocket diaries - 1916, 1917 and 1918 - and two photographs of Frederick Leiberman (8197 - 6 Field Artillery Brigade, 17 Battery).ww1, diaries, frederick lieberman, 6 field artillery brigade

Diary deals mainly with the period from 8 April 1915 until the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Last lines tell of the unloading and setting up of guns on that day. Collins died of wounds at Gallipoli on 20th June 1915. Black, softcovered notebook in canvas pouch. Diary of William Collins (1563 - 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, Battery 4). Includes nine letters written by diarist to his family.ww1, gallipoli, letters, diaries, william raymond collins, 2 field artillery brigade

“Where the Australians Lie” This item came to a family / widow etc with The Commemorative plaque & Commemorative scroll as package. Leo Harris No 3132. Refer 2478 for service history also 2476, 2477P, 2479.3..1) Small folder folds in 2, light brown colour. Front has Rising Sun at top under 'Australian Imperial Force'. Inside cover has details of the deceased person. Next to that is a cut out space for a photo of the grave of the deceased. Rear has name & address of person who received the folder. .2) Sepia colour photo of grave of the above .1).“In memory of HARRIS LEO No 3132 - Gunner - 25th Field Artillery Brigade - ANZAC Cemetery Sailly SUR LA LYS Plot 2 Row 3 - Armentieres, France”documents, military, remembrance.

Harry Foster Midgley No 3414 enlisted in the AIF in 11th reinforcements 14 th Batt on 14.7.1915 aged 21 years 4 months. Embarked for Egypt 11.10.1915, hospitalised 14.12.1915 with Dysentry, returned to unit 4.2.1916, transferred to 46th Batt 3.3.1916 then 12th FAB as a gunner 17.3.1916. Embarked for France 2.6.1916, transferred to 11th FAB, WIA GSW to left ear, transferred to 4th Div Ammunition column 25.6.1917, WIA 1.8.1917 with GSW’s to chest, back, right arm, right leg. DOW’s in 41st Casualty Clearing Station Belgium 2.8.1917.Black & white photocopied photograph of soldier, button up uniform from waist up with Rising Sun badges on lapels. Peeked cap with badge in front, faux timber frame with glass front, cardboard back. 3414 Gunner Henry Foster Midgley, Bendigo 11th Field Artillery Brigade on top. Died of wounds - 02 August 1917 at bottom. On back: Brenda Chambers in texta.photography-photographs, military history, midgley

Ryan family were prominent hoteliers in Albury. A daughter, Miss Gertie Ryan was active in fund-raising in support of Albury boys serving overseas. She was secretary of the Welcome Home committee in 1919. Driver Reginald Ryan was a 21 year old clerk at wool-broking firm Younghusband Row & Co when he enlisted.Rare example of photographic memorabilia sent home by young soldier from regional NSW town and conserved by his family.Leather bound Postcard Album with gold lettering, gold stripe edging. 100 pages of postcards and some photographs compiled by the Albury Ryan family of 7791 Driver Reginald Ryan 5th Field Artillery Brigade AIF. Includes photograph of Driver Ryan in uniform.Postcards - Ryan family collectionphotograph, post card, world war 1 (1914-18), ryan reginald 7791 driver, 13th battery aif

The roll was in the collection relating to Leslie F Iser AIF who served in the 18th Battery. Refer Cat No 337 for his service details.Brown timber frame, glass front, cardboard backing. Honour Roll printed on white background. Print shows names re-inforcements, WIA, KIA, Battles, Unit colour patches, Gallantry awards. Top: "18th Battery - 6th Field Artillery Brigade Honour Roll of Officers, NCO's and Men" Below: "Names, Reinforcements, WIA, KIA, Battles, Unit Colour Patches & Gallantry Awards" Printed in texta on rear: "Tom Iser & Ian Sides"documents - lists, frame accessories, military history, artillery

John (Jack) Dudley Cullen was the first person from St Kilda to enlist in World War I. He lived at 23 Argyle Street (now Waterloo Crescent), St Kilda. An electrician with three years service with the militia behind him, Jack enlisted on 18 August 1914 at the age of 21. By 20 October that year he was sailing to Egypt on the HMAT Shropshire as a member of the 5th Battery, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade. He served in the Middle East for a short time before being hospitalised with enteric fever and returning home to Australia. White (discoloured with age) Certificate of Discharge form, printed in black and handwritten in black ink on both sides. Front Handwritten notations that Gunner Jack Cullen (service number 1026) of the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade was born at Brighton, Victoria and enlisted in the AIF on 18 August 1914 at the age of 21 years. He was discharged in consequence of "being medically unfit, not due to misconduct." It is recorded that he served 1397 days, 1298 days of which were served overseas. The certificate was signed in Melbourne, Victoria by Captain JM Matthew on 14 June 1918. Back Sections about conduct and character have not been completed and are overstamped in red: "The practice of including a statement of character or special qualifications on the Discharge Certificate has been discontinued from 1st December. 1917." Handwritten notations that, upon discharge, Cullen was 24 years and 10 months old. His complexion was sallow and his hair light brown. He was 5 feet 8 inches tall and had grey eyes. His trade is recorded as 'Electrician (Improver)'. He had a vaccination scar on his left arm and a tattoo on his right. His intended place of residence was 23 Argyle Street St Kilda. The certificate is signed by J.D. Cullen.john dudley cullen, jack cullen, wwi

From the collection of Mitcham RSLWWI artifactPrinted poster. Dated January 31, 1916. Life on a Transport attributed to Gunner R. Mechan, 13 Reinforcement, 2 Field Artillery Brigade, A.I.E.F. Printed on paper (then laminated) A3 size Gunner Mechan relates the experience of being on a Transport ship travelling Port Melbourne to England.Nildocuments, posters

From information book - "Reader's Digest/ Gallipoli/ 25th April 1915 - 9th January 1916/ Centenary Commemorative Prints". Collection of 20 prints. Refer Cat No. 7300.Framed print. Print - colour print on paper. Copy of an original oil painting on canvas. Depicts a soldier leaning against a wall structure with a second soldier in more muted tones in the background within an earth trench. Frame - Black plastic framing with glass front and MDF board backing with adhered black paper.Details below print - in black ink. "GEORGE COURTNEY BENSON (1886-1960) Infantryman c 1919-1920". GEORGE BENSON " Enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in September 1914 with the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade". "Commissioned as an official artist in April 1918".framed accessories, prints, ww1, gallipoli, centenary

YOUNG, John Alexander 3739 Rank: Gunner 13th Field Artillery Brigade Date of enlistment: 20.04.1917 Returned to Australia: 17.03.1920 (possibly dies of wounds), listed as fate date for return to AustraliaBritish War Medal 2 medals not linked, ribbons held together with safety pinYOUNG, John Alexander 3739 Gunner 13th F.A.B A.I.F

Items belonged to Robert ALLEN No 7925 6th Field Artillery Brigade AIF. The grooves on the handles are from the barrel rifling, they have been engraved "Bapaume" "Pozieres." "Ypres". refer 1786P for service history also 1787.4.Trench art mounted into a picture frame (attached by wire through holes in back of frame) nine items made from spent artillery shells. Three cheese/butter knives, one spoon, two rising sun badges, two "Australia" shoulder badges, one RAA Corps badge. Label says knives are engraved but too tarnished to be able to read properly.numismatics - badges - military, domestic items - cutlery, ornaments - metal, military history - souvenirs

Horace William Syde Tucker. (Born Kangaroo Flat, enlisted in Melbourne) Enlisted 7.6.1916 in Field Artillery Brigade 8, Reinforcements 8, embarked for overseas 23.11.1916, transfers later to No 2 Casualty Clearing Station, Returns to Australia 8.10.1919.Medals, set of two (2) mounted. British War Medal 1914-18, (replica). Victory Medal 1914-19.On Victory medal, "30490 DVR PTE H.W.L. TUCKER A.M.O. A.I.F."pbt701, h.w.l. tucker, bob english collection, ww1, medals, passchendaele barracks trust

The letter "A" is for "Anzac". Issued to those who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula and surrounding Islands, Hospital ships etc and worn as is on the Colour Patches. Instituted in 1917. Service Chevrons are worn on the right arm below the elbow of your uniform. The red one is for those who embarked in 1914, the blue, one for each year of service after. Instituted in 1918. These belonged to Frederick Campbell Moller No 2233 AIF. Refer 1661.3, 1682.5, 1663P. .1) Colour patches, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, 2 red triangles set onto dark blue felt with a dark dot on the left red triangle. A brass letter "A" is attached to the patch. .2) Same as point .1). .3) Chevrons, 4 blue and 1 red "V" shaped cloth chevrons sewn on to khaki piece of uniform.uniforms-army badges, insignia, chevrons, “a”, colour patches

Bill did not return from the war. More information in "World War One - a history in 100 stories" by Bruice Scates, Rebecca Wheatley and Laura James.Black and white photo of William Johnstone Knox (Bill), Lieutenant (later Captain) 13th Field Artillery Brigade, World War I. The Brigade is shown marching up Beach Street, Port Melbourne, probably 28.06.1915 (the date of sailing). Bill is at the front on the left hand side of the march. (RHS of photo) Photo shows Beach St commercial buildings.built environment - commercial, war - world war i, william johnstone (bill) knox, harper's starch factory, bayview hotel

The soldier in the photo is Nr 1366, Dvr Donald GILLIES of the 4th Field Artillery Brigade. The grey horse, Bess, was blinded by shell fire. The bay horse was Lady. Photo was taken near Villers-Bretonneux. For photo of the four Gillies brothers, refer to Cat No 3531. For book refer to Cat No 3534.Photographic print in colour of a soldier smoking a pipe. He is in uniform - slouch hat, jacket, trousers, puttees & boots, alongside 2 horses. Print is mounted in wooden decorative frame with floral arrangements at top, bottom & both sides. Frame is rounded at top & at each corner with curved glass front. Wire hanging strap on back.Written in black texta on back: “Donated by J Gillies” Stamped on back: “Empire Art Company Ltd”photographs, framed

Photograph of Legatee Oswald Gawler, who was President of Melbourne Legacy in 1943. The notation on the reverse appears to be written by L/- Frank Doolan who was collecting the history of Legacy into an archive. From the AWM website Oswald Gawler was a Lieutenant in World War 1 serving with the 12th Australian Field Artillery Brigade.A record of the past presidents of Melbourne Legacy.Black and white photo of Legatee Os Gawler.Handwritten on the reverse: 'Legatee Os Gawler Pres Melbourne Legacy 1943' in blue pen. Also 'Circa 1955' in blue pen and '37401' in pencil.past presidents, os gawler

2nd Division Artillery Formed September 1915 and assigned to 2nd Division Subunits: 2nd Division Ammunition Column September 1915 - past November 1918 4th Field Artillery Brigade 23 September 1915 - past November 1918 10th Field Artillery Battery 11th Field Artillery Battery 12th Field Artillery Battery 104th Field Artillery (Howitzer) Battery 4th Brigade Ammunition ColumnPhotographic Print of 12th Battery Field Artillery France 1914 1918 in wooden frame under glassphoto artillery, 12 fab, raa 2nd division

Arthur Hocking. (Born Castlemaine, enlisted Melbourne) Enlisted 25.8.1914 No 2741 In Div Ammunition Column No 3 Section, embark for Eygpt 20.10.1914, Joins M.E.F on 30.4.1915, Hospital with Synovitis to Knee, RTA 20.1.1916, re embark for England 20.10.1916, transfer to 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, embark for France 26.3,1917, RTA 5.4.1919.Medals, set of three (3) mounted. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-1918, Victory Medal 1914-19. On the three (3) medals; "2741 DVR A. HOCKING I.D.A.C. A.I.F."pbt704, a. hocking, medals, ww1, passchendaele barracks trust

Part of the Meade Collection. See Cat No. 10785P for details of service for Ernest James Mead (No. 2112). "William (Bill) Whitbourne" mentioned on back - born Lindenow, Vic. Enlisted 9 July 1915 aged 22 in Field Artillery Brigade 2, Reinforcement 13. Later 1st Divisional Ammunition Column. RTA 31 May 1919.Sepia toned copy of an original photograph featuring a group of WW1 soldiers. Soldiers are either in complete or partial uniform. Each of the six men in the photograph are seated. Three are holding walking canes. A line-up of empty bottles is on the ground in front of the group. Handwritten information on back.Handwritten on back in black ink: "June 10th 1919. To Mick, from his pall Bill Whitbourne as a reminder of the good times spent together avic le scrub Turkey at the Bath Arms etc. May good luck and prosperity be always yours, Mick old pall is my wish sincere (at sea)"meade collection, ernest james meade, photograph, ww1, william whitbourne

Photograph of Legatee Oswald Gawler, who was President of Melbourne Legacy in 1943. It is a professional photo taken for use in publications. The notation on the reverse appears to be written by L/- Frank Doolan who was collecting the history of Legacy into an archive. From the AWM website Oswald Gawler was a Lieutenant in World War 1 serving with the 12th Australian Field Artillery Brigade.A record of the past presidents of Melbourne Legacy.Black and white photo of President Os Gawler.Handwritten on the reverse: 'Legatee Os Gawler Pres Melbourne Legacy 1943' in blue pen. Stamped 'Prices subject to sales tax' in purple ink.past presidents, os gawler

Robert Allen No 7925 enlisted in the AIF on 30.7.15 with 6 Field Artillery Brigade age 30 years 6 months. Embarked for Egypt 22.11.15, hospital 26.1.16 with Pyrexia, embark for France 17.3.16, hospital 26.1.17 with Diarrhoea, WIA 24.4.18 Gassed, transfer to A.A.M.C 30.11.18, discharged from the AIF 24.9.19 medically unfit. Refer 1777, 1778, 1787.4.B & W scan, photo of soldier WWI re R.H.Allen with writing in lower left hand corner. Gold coloured patterned metal frame wooden back section. Written on front "Yours with love/ Bob 8-7-17"photography - photgraphs, frame accessories, military history

Herbert Hopetoun Brownlee (Born Bendigo, enlisted Bendigo) Enlisted in the AIF as a Farrier on 3.8.15 in 10th Battery 4th Field Artillery Brigade aged 25 years 2 months. Embarked for Eygpt 18.11.15, embarked for France 14.3.16, promoted to Farrier Sgt 8.8.16, WIA 2.10.18 SW left shoulder then changed to GSW, discharged from the AIF 3.7.19. Refer 441.4, 443P, 445, 483.2. Medal set, court mounted, set of (3) Re "Brownlee" 1. 1914-Star. 2. War medal 1914-18. 3. Victory medal 1914 - 19"6312, SGT. H.H. Brownlee 4th F.A.B, A.I.F"numismatics-medals-military, metalcraft

John Brownless (Outrim Post Office) No 6317 enlisted in the 10th Battery 4th Field Artillery Brigade on 12.8.1915 aged 25 years. Embarked 18.11.1915 for Eygpt. He was awarded the "Military Medal" for actions in the field. He was discharged from the AIF on 16.3.1919 medically unfit not due to misconduct. He served 1170 days overseas. His records are not available online for full details.Refer Cat No’s 38.2P, 39, 598.Medals, court mounted, set of (4) re J Brownless. 1. Military Medal. 2. 1914-15 Star. 3. War medal 1914-18 4. Victory medal 1914 - 19. "6317 PTE J BROWNLESS 4 F.A.B AIF"numismatics, medals-military, metalcraft