First enlistment of 15 women into 8 Women's Royal Australian Army Corps Company Citizen's Military Forces taking the oath in front of MAJ Johns Acting Assistant Director WRAAC First intake of females into the Citizen Military ForcesBlack and White photograph of the 1st enlistment into 8 WRAAC Coy with MAJ Johns acting AD WRAAC on the left, with 15 ladies in overcoats taking the Oath. .

Documents pertaining to first enlistment of Cyril Kirkland 1917

A biographical history by Dorothy Selby (nee Emerson) recollecting the people she came into contact with during her time in Surrey Hills from 1915-1937.A4, comb binding, 9 pageshouse names, kookaburra, albany crescent, surrey hills, (miss) dorothy emerson, (mrs) dorothy emerson, warrigal road, boundary road, st stephen's presbyterian church, (mrs) - gillies, (mr) tom ward, dentist, (mrs) - bowen, edwardian style, royal hotel, broughton road, (mrs) - brogan, (mr) - brogan, (mr) - tuckett, tacey's butcher, (mr) james tait, draper, (mr) alfred rose, state savings bank, surrey college, tower house college, balmoral crescent, (mr) - clewett, (mr) percy blood, stenning and holyoak, grocers, (mr) - pell, greengrocer, confectioner, fishmonger, (mr) tommy everon, (miss) beatrice bligh, (mr) - lyons, (mr) - ray, surrey hills station, transport, (ms) kitty mcewan, golfer, taxis, (mr) - collins, surrey hills primary school, (dr) (mr) - forsythe, (dr) (mr) - gandever, windsor crescent, valonia avenue, victoria avenue, (mr) john blogg, progress association, rechabite hall, (mr) claude wardle, (miss) beatrice oakley, empire day, (mr) robert gordon menzies, girl guides, (ms) nancy steele, (ms) hattie steele, (dr) (mr) - blaikie, (mr) - richards, stationmaster, crime, (mr) - cockerill, (mr) horrie breedon, first enlistment, (mr) (rev) brazier, (mr) (rev) - oakes, (mr) (rev) - gillies, (mr) (rev) - mudford, (mr) (rev) - millikan, (mr) (rev) - cockett, (mr) (rev) alfred gifford, (mr) (fr) david gleeson

This photograph shows a young Australian soldier, Baden Powell Buckland of Yea, who enlisted when 17 years old. He made it to England before his true age was known and returned to Australia. He re-enlisted after his 18th birthday. This photograph was taken during his first enlistment.Digital copy of black and white photograph. "No.6770. Pte B.V. Buckland. 19th Reinfts, 23rd Battalion, 17-3-1917"charles marshall, world war 1, baden powell buckland

Prayer book issued to Thomas Kelvie Chesters 53697 WW1 AIF 13th Battalion. Born on 5/2/1989 at Benalla. First enlisted on 13/2/1917 however service record stated he did no duty and enlistment cancelled. Reenlisted on 10/10/1917 at Lismore and served with the 13th Battalion He embarked overseas on 19/6/1918 and returned on 24/10/1919 and was discharged on 12/11/1919. Younger brother of John Chesters 3476 24th Battalion KIA on 26/7/1916 at Pozieres, France.Cream colour cardboard cover booklet with red cross on cover containing 80 pages.Army Prayer Bookww1, aif, prayer book', 13 battalion

Ernest King NEWMAN (born Bendigo, enlisted Pt Moresby) first enlisted in the CMF on 1.7.1925 age 18 years in the 38th Bn No V59632. Promoted Sgt 1.12.1926, Lieut 16.9.1931, Capt 3.7.1936, Major 20.5.1941. He began full time CMF service on 30.7.1941. Embarks for New Guinea on 27.12.1941 with the 30th Brigade HQ as Brigade Major (his records show this was called EMU Force) In New Guinea he transfers to the 2nd AIF as VX100091 on 27.7.1942. Embarks from Pt Moresby for Townsville on 19.10.1942. His appointment in the AIF is terminated on 19.12.1942. Medals, court mounted, set of (4) re E.K.Newman. 1. 1939 - 1945 Star. 2. Pacific star. 3. War Medal 1939-45. 4. Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45."VX100091 E K NEWMAN"medals, history

Australian Comforts Fund Diary 1919 gifted to Thomas Kelvie Chesters 53697 WW1 AIF 13th Battalion. Born on 5/2/1989 at Benalla. First enlisted on 13/2/1917 however service record stated he did no duty and enlistment cancelled. Reenlisted on 10/10/1917 at Lismore and served with the 13th Battalion He embarked overseas on 19/6/1918 and returned on 24/10/1919 and was discharged on 12/11/1919. Younger brother of John Chesters 3476 24th Battalion KIA on 26/7/1916 at Pozieres, France.Small red canvas bound booklet with silver writing and symbols on front and back cover with pencil housed in spine.Front Cover - Australian Comforts Fund/Gift Diary 1919/ACF/All Comforts Free Rear Cover - AIF together with rising sun emblemww1, aif, 13 battalion, acf diary 1919

Sidney Victor Long No 1580 from Bendigo first enlisted in WA in the 3rd reinforcements 11th Batt AIF on 12.11.14. Embarked for Eygpt on 22.2.15 then to Gallipoli on 7.5.15, WIA on 6.8.15 GSW to the neck, returned to Australia for discharge with the recommendation he was permanently unfit on 17.9.15. He re enlisted in Bendigo No 5715 in 18th reinforcements to the 8th Batt AIF on 4.3.16 age 30 years 9 months writing a letter to say he was perfectly fit. Embarked for England 3.7.16, embark for France 5.9.16, hospital 13.11.16 (unclear), WIA 21.12.16 GSW to right arm, return to France 14.10.17, KIA 25.10.17 Ypre.Memorial plaque, round, bronze, centre has relief of "Brittanica, Lion and Seals" Rectangular space for individual name provided."He died for freedom and honour" "Sidney Victor LONG"memorabilia, military, sacrifice, plaques, passchendaele barracks trust

Item is a Welcome Home menu put on by the Bendigo City Council. William Charles GILBERT No VX 5263 was one of the first to enlist in Bendigo on 24.10.1939 age 20 years in the 2nd AIF. At discharge from the Army on 8.9.1945 he held the rank of Staff Sgt in Advanced Land HQ. .1) Laminated yellow cardboard with blue, gold printing, crest on front cover, hand written name inside front cover - PRIVATE W GILBERT. .2) Photocopy of portrait photograph, black & white printing.Handwritten in black ink: “PRIVATE W GILBERT”documents - menus, military history

Peaked cap worn by “Vivian Donald BULLEN". He first enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 11.3.1942 age 22 years 8 months No VX75447, during his time he rose to Acting Cpl, attached to No 4 Chemical Warfare Coy RAE and A.A.O.C in Bendigo, he was hospitalised with a Peptic Ulcer, discharged from the Army on 3.9.1943 to join the RAAF. Enlisted in the RAAF on 4.9.1943 No 431933 as a Aircraftsman, after initial training he was posted to “Air Gunnery School” on 4.2.1944, embarked for England 28.4.1944, went through 3 training units in Bomber Command, posted to 466 Sqd Driffield 19.1.1945. He rose through the ranks from Aircraftsman - LAC - Sgt - Flt Sgt - Fly Officer by 7.10.1945. He flew 13 sorties and was eligible for the France & Germany Star. Embarked for Australia 29.6.1945, discharged from RAAF 9.10.1945. Cap - peaked, navy blue cotton twill, black leather hat band with brass button keepers. RAAF badge in gold and red crown above eagle wings and laurel wreath. Inside cap, leather sweatband and cotton lining. Makers label imprint on sweatband.Sweatband - makers label imprint "Sam Brown Leather". headwear, uniform, ww2, raaf, vivian donald bullen

Three Bendigo Brothers. William Francis Watts V59667 & VX138000. First enlisted in the 38th Bn on 17.7.1940, transferred to the 2nd AIF 2.4.1943 age 27 years, embarked from Darwin for New Britain with 16th Australian Infantry Bn on 24.12.1944, disembark Jacquinot Bay 30.12.1944, discharged from the AIF on 10.1.1946 in 16th Aust INF Bn. Ernest John Harold Watts VX62580 enlisted 27.8.1941 age 29 years, embark for the Middle East on 2.11.1941 with Aust Army Postal Unit, embark for Aust 7.2.1942, discharged from the AIF 31.10.1945 with the rank of Cpl in Aust Army Postal Unit. Charles Edward Watts VX58447 enlisted on 7.7.1941 age 31 years, embark for the Middle East 3.9.1941 with Australian Army Postal Unit, embark for Aust 4.2.1942, hospital aboard ship, Cardiac Neurosis, discharged from the AIF on 6.7.1942. Both Ernest and Charles were Postal Workers pre enlistment..1) Photo black & white, copy of original, portrait of William Francis Watts VX138000. .2) Photo black & white, copy of original, 2 soldiers outside a hut re Ernest John Harold WATTS (Jack) VX62580 & Charles Edward WATTS VX58447.photography-photographs, military history

There are 57 names on the Church Roll, only 22 have photos with their details. The Author is Larna Malone. She also published the Book, "The First Lot". The first men to enlist in Bendigo WW1. Refer Cat No 4798Booklet, plastic spinal binder, clear plastic cover on fronts black, 8 lead in pages with 81 pages of names and photos all in black text, front cover is in colour.Signed on first page, "Larna Malone 2019"booklet, honor roll, church, malone collection

ALFRED J CARTER. Born Marong 16.7.1890. Enlisted 18.2.1913. First voyage May 1913. Served 6 years, 11 months.Rectangular framed sepia photograph with grey plastic patterned frame, glass front & beige mount. ALFRED J CARTERphotography - photographs,, naval ran

Invitation to the Anzac exhibition held at Post Office Gallery 11 December 2014 - 21 June 2015, 'Bendigo Enlists' the First World War 1914 - 18. Large Rising Sun badge depicted on front. Sponsors' logos on back ' City of Greater Bendigo' , ' Arts Victoria', ' Bendigo Art Gallery'.bendigo, history, world war 1, bendigo, anzac, first world war, invitation

28 page soft cover booklet. Post Office Gallery Exhibition 'Bendigo Enlists: The First World War 1914-18. Illustrated with B&W and colour photos including some Bendigonians who enlisted. Exhibition dates Dec 2014 to June 2015. Published 2014 by the Bendigo Art GalleryRoss McMullinpost office gallery, first world war

Medal awarded to persons who served at Gallipoli in 1915 W A E Bragg No 86 23rd Battalion first A. I. F. Enlisted February 1915 age 18 ( August 1914) sailed 08-05-1915 returned 22-05-1919In In commemoration of the heroic deeds of the men of ANZACMedal 50mm diameter with crown protruding at the top and ANZAC at the bottomCenter of medal depicts Simpson an his donkey. The reverse side shows Australia and New Zealand with five stars and W A E Braggs engraved at the bottomworld war one, medal, anzac, australia, new zealand, wwi, simpson, donkey, stars, w a e braggs, gallopoli

Augustus (Gus) Victor Balcke (service no. 3130) was one of the first men to enlist in the 1st AIF. He served in France with the 5th Battalion and was wounded at Pozieres. Gus Balcke was Secretary of the Wangaratta Sub Branch from 1934-1945 and again in 1955 and was President in 1946 and 1947. He was Secretary of the 34th District Board a position he held for over 30 years. He was the Sub Branch's chief welfare officer and did outstanding work for many years. Awarded Life membership in 1943.Gus Balcke was Secretary of the Wangaratta Sub Branch from 1934-1945 and again in 1955 and was President in 1946 and 1947. He was Secretary of the 34th District Board a position he held for over 30 years. He was the Sub Branch's chief welfare officer and did outstanding work for many years. Awarded Life membership in 1943. Following more than 30 years of meetings held in Council Chambers, Hotels, rear of a grocery store and even outdoors, the Wangaratta RSL purchased in 1951 a 12 room old mansion in Victoria Parade. It was named BALCKE HOUSE and officially opened on 19 July 1952.Timber framed photograph of male in suit.The Late AUGUSTUS VICTOR BALCKE (GUS) aged 75 yrs. (Life Member of the R.S.L.)gus balcke, wwi, 1st aif, 5th battalion, life member, wangaratta rsl

The Rising Sun badge also known as the General Service badge or the Australian Army badge is the official insignia of the Australian Army. Worn on the brim of a slouch hat or the front of a peaked cap (selected appointments only). The badge is readily identified with the spirit of ANZAC, the legend of the Australian Soldier (or digger) and the esprit de corps of the Army itself, due to the association with the landing at Gallipoli in 1915. Today, new recruits receive the iconic badge with their initial issue of equipment which happens within their first three days of enlistment.Rising Sun Metal badge Australian Commonwealth Military Forces 1914 - 1918 War.

The "Dead Man's Penny" of Private George Matthews (24/1744) is a district link to the First World War. George enlisted with the Otago Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force as a rifleman. Born in 1891, he was a former pupil of Myrtleford State School 955 and was one of four first cousins killed in action and recorded in a memorial window and honour board at the Uniting (formerly Methodist) Church, the Soldier's Memorial Square and on the State School Honour Board. George's parents, John and Mary Matthews,received the plaque in a pack, together with a letter and commemorative scroll from King George V. George Matthews is buried at the Caterpillar Valley (N.Z.) Memorial, France, having died on October 1, 1916, aged 25. The memorial plaque links local family tragedy to world conflict. It represents the impact of such events must have had on small town communities. George Matthews' enlistment in New Zealand is an indicator of the migratory nature of men involved in gold mining after the decline of the industry in Victoria and New South Wales in the late 19th centuryA World War 1 memorial plaque issued to next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who died as a result of the war. They were round and cast in bronze, hence their similarity to the much smaller penny coin. The plaque includes an image of Britannia, holding a trident and standing with a lion. Britannia holds an oak leaf above the deceased's name, which is recorded without rank. Two dolphins swim around Britannia, symbolizing sea power, and at the base a second lion is tearing apart the German eagle. Around the picture a legend reads: "He died for freedom and Honour"Name engraved: GEORGE MATTHEWSmemorial plaque dead man's penny george matthews

John Spencer Clough was the Head Teacher at Surrey Hills during the Depression and the Second World War years. He had a long history in the education department. He was born in Eaglehawk in 1889; married Lily Carpenter in 1915 and died in Camberwell in 1952. He served in France during the First World War. He enlisted in 1915 (SERN 5671) aged 26; occupation school teacher. Electoral rolls place him at the following places as a school teacher: 1912 - Sea View, Warragul 1913 - Leongatha 1914, 1915, 1916 - Carpendeit 1919 - Portland 1922 - Scarsdale 1925, 1926 - Werribee 1928 - Echuca 1931 - Ballarat 1935 - living Wattle Valley Road, Camberwell. At Surrey Hills he was succeeded by Mr Lewis Wheeler. The girl presenting Mr Clough with his retirement gift was Margaret Haines who made the presentation on behalf of the students. A B&W photo of an elderly gentleman surrounded by children. He is wearing a suit and tie and a girl is presenting him with what looks to be a radio. There is a chair with floral covering central to the photo and the gentleman is standing behind it. The background is consistent with a school playground.Number in pencil on the rear - SH1150surrey hills state school, surrey hills primary school, margaret haines, margaret dowsett, john clough, john spencer clough, education, schools

Reginald Charles ALLARDICE enlisted first in the CMF on 10.8.1940 age 21 years Regt No V40236. During this time he applied to join the RAAF so was discharged from the Army on 21.5.1942 as a Pte in the 24/39th Bn. Two days later he is in the RAAF as a Trainee Aircrew WEF No 418577. On 31.12.1942 he is listed as a LAC (Leading Aircraftsman. Ongoing training sees him at Benalla, Mallala in SA, Mt Gambier, Pt Cook, Camp Miles Standish USA. Finally he is stationed in England at Pembroke with 461 Sqd RAAF with the rank of Sgt on 10.10.1943. This was a Sunderland Sqd which was a large long range patrol Flying Boat. The unit was mainly Australians from many nations. He rises through the ranks to T/F/Sgt, Officer, Pilot Officer, Flying Officer and last Flight Lieutenant on 10.3.1945. He is discharged from the RAAF on 7.12.1945 at RAF Station Beecles Suffolk England. 461 Sqd was a Coastal Command unit mostly involved in submarine detection and hunting in the Atlantic and Bay of Biscay. They were involved in the D Day landings. The Sqd lost 20 aircraft to enemy action and accidents. A total of 86 Sqd members were lost of which 64 were Australian.Medals, individual with ribbons re R.C.Allardice. (1) 1939 - 45 Star, original not engraved. (2) Atlantic Star, original not engraved. (3) Defence Medal. (4) British War Medal 1939 - 45. (5) Australian Service Medal 1939 - 45. (.3, .4, .5) “418577 R.C.ALLARDICE”medals, campaign, service, world war2

In the years following the Crimean War (1854-1857J) there was a great concern in the Colony that Imperial Russia would attempt an invasion. Coastal defences in the colony of Victoria were greatly strengthened by the Government as a result. Warrnambool was originally protected by cannons at Cannon Hill, approximately 1 kilometer west of the Flagstaff Hill Fortifications. These cannons included two 1866 guns, both 80 Pound Rifled Muzzle Loaders (RML) purchased by Victoria’s Colonial Government. They were part of a shipment of 26 such guns sent from England in December 1866. They are registered as No. 23 (80cwt-2qr-0lbs) - Gun 1, and No.13 (81cwt-1qr-12lbs) - Gun 2. They were cast at the Royal Gun Factory, Woolwich Arsenal, in 1866 and have a 6.3 inch bore. Both barrels carry the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria, Insignia of the Royal Engineers, within the Garter and Motto surmounted by the Crown, with the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria within the Garter (letters in centre “VR”, motto “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, "Shame be to him who thinks evil of it."). The guns were originally supplied with wooden carriages. (The Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, England, was established eleven years after the Restoration of King Charles II. It was the principal supplier of armaments to the British and Empire Governments. At the height of its operations during World War One the factory covered 1300 acres and employed very nearly 80,000 workers. Woolwich was the Headquarters of the Royal Artillery since the raising of that Regiment in 1716. The Arsenal was closed in the late 1960’s.) These two cannons were transferred to the Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery Fortifications erected at Flagstaff Hill in 1887 as part of Victoria’s Coastal Defences. The original wooden carriages were subsequently replaced with the present iron garrison carriages in 1888. They are a “C” pivot. The ‘racers’ or curved track set into the floor of the gun emplacement (which enabled the guns to be traversed more quickly) are as specified for guns up to 10 inch, being of wrought iron 2.78 inches wide. A temporary third gun, now no longer on Flagstaff Hill’s site, was a 5 inch Rifled Breech Loading (BL) Armstrong gun mounted on an Elswick hydro pneumatic disappearing carriage It was faster to load and fire than the 80 pound RMLs and its arrival spelt the end of the older 80 pound guns’ useful life, apart from being used for practice sessions. The 5 inch BL gun was the main defensive weapon of the Warrnambool Battery until the Battery was downgraded in importance and the gun was recalled to Melbourne in 1910. The State of Victoria took over the ownership of the guns at the time of Australian Federation in 1901. In about 1901/1902 the Garrison Battery was converted to the Warrnambool Battery of the Australian Field Artillery (No 4 Field Battery). It was equipped with 4.7 inch naval guns mounted on field carriages. They were now a mobile unit but continued to use the Warrnambool Garrison area at Flagstaff Hill for practice. When the Fortifications were declared obsolete, the two 80 Pounder RML were relocated to Cannon Hill in 1910. On the outbreak of World War One the 4.7 inch guns were recalled to Melbourne, and the Battery was disbanded. Most of the personnel probably re-enlisted in the local 4th Australian Light Horse Regiment. The two 80 Pounder RML were moved back to the Fortifications in 1973. They were both fully restored by Army First Year Apprentices at the Ordinance Factory in Bendigo in time for the centenary year of the fortifications in 1987. The guns are capable of firing 80 pound (32.3kg) armour piercing exploding shells 3.65kms out to sea. They were original manned by volunteers before a paid Garrison was established. Now the Guns are again fired by volunteers on Special Event days. Since restoration the Gun Number 1 had been fired on a regular basis but Gun Number 2 hadn’t been fired since the mid 1990’s. In April 2015 Gun Number 2 was serviced in preparation for the firing of both cannons on the ANZAC Centenary commemorations on April 25th 2015. Other guns from the original Cannon Hill location were obsolete by the time the 1887 Warrnambool Garrison Artillery Battery was built. These guns are (1) a 32 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore (SB) cast in 1813 at the famous Carron Foundry, number 80837 and now located in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens (2) a 68 Pounder Muzzle Loading Smooth Bore cast in 1861 at the equally august Low Moor Foundry, number 10310 and now located on the lawn area at the entrance to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Both of these guns are mounted on their original wooden garrison carriages. There are only seven 32 Pounder SB made by Carron and fifteen 68 Pounder SB made at Low Moor known to exist in the State of Victoria. Funding was received to repair Cannon No.2 and its iron carriage. After completion, both Cannon No 1 and No. 2 were 'fired' in a public re-enactment on April 4th, 2026. (Conservation Management Plan for Victorian Guns and Cannon, South Western Victoria, May 2008, ref W/F/05)The Warrnambool Garrison has been added to the Victorian Heritage Register H1250 “for its intact battery and guns, a strong reminder of Victoria’s wealth and determination to protect itself from the perceived threat of invasion in the 1880’s.” The City of Warrnambool is one of several custodians of a collection of artillery pieces of heritage significance at a state, national and international level. These pieces are directly related to the defence of south-west Victoria in the 19th century. The care and preservation come under the Heritage Act 1995. Cannon. 80 Pound Rifled Muzzle Loading (RML) Gun on iron carriage and slide, installed in the Battery at Flagstaff Hill’s Fortifications. Made in 1866 at the Royal Gun Factory (R-G-F), Woolich, England. Gun Reg No 13. Flagstaff Hill Garrison Gun 2 (Gun No. 2). Insignia of the Royal Engineers, and the weight of the gun, stamped on top of the gun’s barrel. There is a brass plate on the side of the gun with the details of 1987 restoration.Stamped into the metal on top of the barrel, Insignia of the Royal Engineers; Garter and Motto “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”, surmounted by the Crown, with the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria “VR” within the Garter. Also stamped on top of the gun are 2 inward pointing arrows above the weight ”81-1-12”. Brass plate “RESTORATION / BY / FIRST YEAR / APPRENTICES / ORDANANCE FACTORY / BENDIGO 1987”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, colonial defences, victoria’s coastal defences, warrnambool fortification, warrnambool garrison battery, warrnambool volunteer corps, ordinance, armaments, cannon hill fortifications, 4th australian light horse regiment, no 4 field battery, 80 pound cannon rifled muzzle loaders (rml), victorian colonial government, royal gun factory england, woolwich arsenal, royal cypher of queen victoria, garrison gun

HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. [Research by a granddaughter of Henry Smerdon Holmes, Jane Dyer (nee Chatham) 2024] Ray Blight and Gordon Les Sim were former students of the Ballarat School of Mines. Les Sim was associated with Sim and Co. hardware and wood merchants). Eight soldiers of the AIF. They are the tent mates of Harry Holmes a Driver with the 5th D.A.C. The names of the soldiers are John Raymond (Ray) Blight, Joseph Fawcett, John Joseph (Jack) Nase, Gordon Spittle, Harry Holmes, Harold Joseph Reid, James Leslie (Les) Sim, Leslie John Walters. handwritten in pen on verso "This is a snap of our tent mates. Reading left to right. Back row, Jack Nase, Joe Fawcett, H. Reid. Middle - Les Walters, Ray Blight, Gordon Les Sim, (Sim and Co wood merchants) and Harryworld war 1, chatham, jack nase, chatham family archive, joe fawcett, h. reid, blight, sim, les walters, ray blight, gordon les sim, pickford, world war, gordon spittle, harry holmes, les sim, horace pickford, world war one, aif, armed services

Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith (1897-1935) is one of Australia's most known Australia’s fliers. Born in 1897 at Hamilton, Qld. He spent his early life in Sydney enlisting in the AIF in 1915. He served at Gallipoli before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in 1916. He was shot down and wounded in the foot in 1917. In 1929, Kingsford-Smith flew from Australia to England in the record-breaking time of 12 days, 18 hours. The following year he completed an east–west crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 31 hours, followed by a record-breaking solo flight from England to Darwin in 10 days. He was knighted for services to aviation in 1932. He made the first west–east trans-Pacific flight in 1934. In 1932 was selling joy-flights at ten shillings a trip. Most of his flights, including the joy flights, were made in the three-engine Fokker plane known as the 'Southern Cross', now preserved in a special display area at Brisbane Airport. In late 1935 Kingsford Smith took off on the second leg of a flight from England to Australia with John ‘JT’ Pethybridge. The plane and pilots were never seen again, believed to have crashed into the sea at night somewhere off the coast of Burma. White ticket stub with black ink. It includes a photographic portrait of Charles Kingsford-Smith, and a drawing of the Southern Cross aeroplane. Gift of the Chatham-Holmes family.Printed on ticket 'Souvenir Flight in 'Southern Cross' piloted by C.E. Kingsford-Smith. No refund will be made on this ticket unless BOTH these"chatham, chatham family collection, kingsford-smith, charles kingsford-smith, smithy, southern cross, aeroplane, flight, joy ride, entertainment, airport, charles kingsford smith

Holmes Family Ascot World War One memorabilia This postcard was sent from France during World War One. The writer, Gordon Spittle, enlisted with the brother of the recipient, Mary Coghill Holmes. Postcard with embroidered detail on white silk. The embroidery includes a crowned crest, and the flags of England, France, and Italy and the words "Souvenir d'Amiens".Verso "Somewhere in France July 14th '17 My dear Mary, In the first place I have to thank you for your letter of April 30th which came to hand by the last mail, and also very kindly the tin of biscuits sent per Miss B. which came to hand by the last Sunday. I also received a tin from Violet and will be writing her to-morrow and the next day it it is not to hot and muggy. I can assure you both that I appreciate your continued kindness more than words can tell, and only regret that I am unable to do something in return. Who can believe it is just two years ago since Harry & I enlisted, & the war doesn't appear to be any nearer ending than it did then, however let us hope and trust the end is not very far off, for goodness only knows how utterly tied (sic) of it we all are. His Majesty the King paid our division a visit on Thursday, & yesterday I went to Amiens for the day. Must now ring off for the present with kindest regards to your Mother, Violet, Willie and Self. From S. Gordon S." chatham family archive, chatham, holmes, harry holmes, mary holmes, amiens, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one, gordon spittle, embroidery, france, western front, mary coghill holmes, postcard

Australian World War One Soldier memento. This postcard was possibly sent home from France during World War One, most probably from Harry Holmes of Ascot, Victoria. HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot and Tourello lads and district connections: neighbours (including a Wrigley boy), Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Jane Dyer) Postcard with embroidered detail on white silk, with top flap. The central embroidery depicts two small soldiers dressed in brown outside a gate leading to house in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees. Below is a blue embroidered "Best Compliments" and red embroidered garland of red flowers.chatham family collection, chatham, world, war, world war one, world war 1, world war i, france, harry holmes, holmes, embroidery, postcard

Postcard sent from the French theatre of war during World War One by Harry Holmes. HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Henry's grand-daughter, Jane Dyer nee Chatham) White postcard with embroidery on white silk. The embroidery includes 5 flags (England, France, Italy, Belgium, Russia), a blue horseshoe, a green sprig rosemary and the words 'United We Stand".Verso: With best love from Harry 13/5/16chatham, chatham family collection, holmes, harry holmes, henry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one.