A photo of soldiers having a break or meal in France in World War One. Was with 11 other photos of World War One that had been mounted on board for display at Legacy House at some stage. When they were taken off display they were put in the archive cabinets. The founding legatees all served in World War One so these photos would have been of significant places for them. (see 01888 to 01899)Photos from World War One that would have been significant to the founding legatees.Black and white photo of soldiers in France during World War One.world war one, france, soldiers

A photo in France during World War One, it may have been taken from a train or truck. It shows took on the trenches and embankments. Was with 11 other photos of World War One that had been mounted on board for display at Legacy House at some stage. When they were taken off display they were put in the archive cabinets. The founding legatees all served in World War One so these photos would have been of significant places for them. (see 01888 to 01899)Photos from World War One that would have been significant to the founding legatees.Black and white photo of soldiers and trenches in France during World War One.world war one, france, soldiers

John Lachlan McIntyre was born at Beeac, Victoria in December 1890. He enlisted in the 1st AIF in July 1915. John fought on the Western Front, taking part in the battles of Fromelles and the 2nd Battle of the Somme. He was severely wounded at Fromelles and spent 12 months in hospital in England before returning to the front. John returned home in 1919 and was granted a soldier settlement block in Lara in 1937. He was a founding member of Lara RSL and is its longest serving member. John died in 1990. This letter was written by John and sent to his mother in 1918 on his journey through Belgium. The McIntyre family were early pioneers in the Lara district, and the brothers were founding members of the Lara RSL. This letter represents a significant link to the history of the town and sub-branch.A brown envelope addressed to Miss J McIntyre. Within the envelope is a pack of 12 illustrated souvenir post cards. Envelope: O.A.S. Tower of London. Miss J McIntyre. Elcho Lara lake, Australia, Victoria. Rear of postcard pack: London December 27th 18 Dear Mother, I arrived here yesterday. Spent Xmas day travelling across France. The trip took the best part of four days. We are up near Belgium. Had to go into Belgium to get a train. Will write when I get settled. Hoping you are all well. With best wishes for a happy new year. Jack. Edition Martinetty Charleroi Front of pack: J. L. McIntyre Xmas 1918 Souvenir de Charleroi-Belgium 12 cartes postales 12 En Photochrommother, letter, postcard, first world war, wwi, world war one, belgium, lara

During the First World War on 8 October 1914, the British Royal Flying Corps (RFC) arrived in Saint-Omer and a headquarters was established at the aerodrome next to the local race course. For the following four years, Saint-Omer was a focal point for all RFC operations in the field. Although most squadrons only used Saint-Omer as a transit camp before moving on to other locations, the base grew in importance as it increased its logistic support to the RFC. Many Royal Air Force squadrons can trace their roots to formation at Saint-Omer during this period. Among which are No. IX Squadron RAF which was formed at Saint-Omer, 14 December 1914 and No. 16 Squadron RAF which was formed on 10 February 1915. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Omer, accessed 14/07/2014) During World War II, the Luftwaffe used the airfield. When the RAF's legless Battle of Britain ace, Douglas Bader, parachuted from his Spitfire during an aerial battle over France, he was initially treated at a Luftwaffe hospital at Saint Omer. He had lost an artificial leg when bailing out, and the RAF dropped him another one during a bombing raid.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Omer, accessed 14/07/2014)Four postcards of Saint Omer in Francechatham-holmes family collection, saint omer, france

William Jackson (588 - 17th Battalion, B Company) embarked from Sydney onboard HMAT Themistocles on 12th May 1915. Awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery in France in June 1916. Died in 1959, aged 61 years. Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery. On the return from a successful raid, several members of the raiding party were seriously wounded in "No Man's Land" by shell fire. Private Jackson got back safely and, after handing over a prisoner whom he had brought in, immediately went out again under very heavy shell fire and assisted in bringing in a wounded man. He then went out again, and with a sergeant was bringing another wounded man when his arm was blown off by a shell and the sergeant was rendered unconscious. He then returned to our trenches, obtained assistance, and went out again to look for his two wounded comrades. He set a splendid example of pluck and determination. His work has always been marked by the greatest coolness and bravery.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184 Date: 14 December 1916 Photograph of Australia's youngest Victoria Cross winner.WW1 photograph of William Jackson (17th Battalion, B Company) taken on "France's Day 13-7-17".france, ww1, victoria cross, william jackson, 17 battalion

Signed 'Mirka' lower right corner under printed image. Title centred under bottom of print. Edition 'Bon á tirer' lower left corner under printed image.

This postcard was sent from France during World War One. The writer, Gordon Spittle, enlisted with the brother of the recipient, Mary 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

This postcard was most probably sent to Australia by an Australian soldier during World War One. Black and white postcard showing Versailles, France. Parc du Palais De Versailles - Les Alles de l'Orangeriechathan-holmes collection, world war one, versailles, france

This is the sole remaining tower of the castle's curtain wall. The Coulonce's family had, in the Middle Ages, supplied several of the captains and governor's of Vire's fortified stronghold.A number of colour photographs of Colounces Tower, Vire, Francecolounces tower, vire, france, architecture

Black and white postcard showing a boat on a river at Amiens, Francechatham-holmes family collection, amiens, france, world war one

John Raymond (Ray) Blight enlisted on 19 July 1915. He was an electrical engineer, having studied at the Ballarat School of Mines. On 23 June 1916 Ray Blight disembarked at Marseilles. 3 February 1917 he was hospitalised with scabies. Ray Blight's next of kin was his mother, Mary Jane Blight of 116 Lyons Street South, Ballarat. James Leslie Sim enlisted on 13 July 1915, at which time he was an accountant. His next of kin was his father, Charles Robert Sim of Drummond Street North, Ballarat. On 23 June 1916 James Sim disembarked at Marseilles. A year later he received leave to the United Kingdom returning to France 2 weeks later. He received leave to Paris from 18 march 1918 to 4 April 1918. Sim was wounded on 1 June 1918.Two World War One soldiers in military uniform pose for a photograph. The two men are Lance Corporal Ray Blight and Lance Corporal Sim (both of Ballarat). On the back is a personal letter to Ballarat School of Mines Lecturer Daniel Walker. The pin holes in the postcard suggest it was displayed at the Ballarat School of Mines. .1) Verso: " France 25/8/16. Dear Mr Walker, Just a line in sending a photo we had taken in a small photographers, in a town within range of the evenings guns, the other boy is L/Corp Sim, one time an old SMB and son of R. Sim, of Ballarat, we are wearing steel helmuts weight about 4lbs they are protection against shrapnel and steel splinters. We are doing well here, Les Coulter was wounded just near here but did not see him. Best wishes to all. Ray Blight. .2) Verso: Sitting, Ray Blight, from Ballarat, you will know his sister, she helps Miss Brazena a lot with the parcels. Standing, Les Sim, of Sim and co. wood merchants, Ballarat.world war one, world war 1, james sim, ballarat school of mines, blight, james blight, sim, les sim, coulter, les coulter, world war, walker, wwi, great world war, france

Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of Villers-Bretonneux in France, a region which was part of the Western Front during World War I. The image mostly shows rural landscape. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. The First Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 30 March - 5 April 1918. It took place during Operation Michael, part of the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front. The offensive began against the British Fifth Army and the Third Army on the Somme, and pushed back the British and French reinforcements on the north side of the Somme. The capture of Villers-Bretonneux, close to Amiens, a strategically important road and rail-junction, would have brought the Germans within artillery-range. In late March, troops from the Australian Imperial Force were brought south from Belgium as reinforcements to help shore up the line. In early April, the Germans launched an attack to capture Villers-Bretonneux. After a determined defence by British and Australian troops, the attackers were close to success until a counter-attack by the 9th Australian Infantry Brigade and British troops late in the afternoon of 4 April restored the situation and halted the German advance on Amiens. The Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 24 - 27 April 1918, during the German Spring Offensive to the east of Amiens. It is notable for being the first occasion on which tanks fought against each other. A counter-attack by two Australian brigades and a British brigade during the night of 24 April partly surrounded Villers-Bretonneux, and on 25 April, the town was recaptured. On 26 April, the role of the Moroccan division of the French army was crucial in pushing back German units. Australian, British and French troops nearly restored the original front line by 27 April.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. Additionally, the record's significance is enhanced by its depiction of Villers-Bretonneux. The battles that occurred in this town during World War I are especially historically significant to Australia as this is where the Australian Imperial Force had one their greatest World War I victories. An Australian flag still flies over Villers-Bretonneux in the present. Furthermore, a plaque outside the Villers-Bretonneux Town Hall recounts the battles fought to save the town in 1918. Kangaroos feature over the entrance to the Town Hall, and the main street is named Rue de Melbourne. More officially, recognition of the significance of the battle in Villers-Bretonneux is found at the Australian National Memorial, which was built just outside the town. It commemorates all Australians who fought in France and Belgium and includes the names of 10,772 who died in France and have no known grave. Each year, a small ceremony is held at the memorial to mark the sacrifice made by the soldiers. Lastly, the record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: yAE.2.35. / 125 / 62d.2834.35.36.VA.5. / 12.G.18-11 / F.-(?)" /military album, wwi, world war i, villers-bretonneux, australian imperial force, aif, france, war, army, conflict, germany, 1918, battle

Estaires is a town and commune in the Department of the Nord, about 11 kilometres west of Armentieres. The Estaires Communal Cemetery and Extension is on the eastern outskirts of the town and on the east side of the road to Bailleul. Estaires town was occupied by French cavalry on the 15 October 1914, and passed at once into British hands. On the 10 April 1918 it was captured by the enemy, after an obstinate defence by the 50th (Northumbrian) Division; and it was finally retaken by British troops at the beginning of September 1918. The town was a Field Ambulance centre as early as November 1914, and later the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station was posted in it. (http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/26801/ESTAIRES%20COMMUNAL%20CEMETERY%20AND%20EXTENSION, accessed 11/07/2014)A black and white postcard with buildings along a river at Estaires in Northern France.estaires communal cemetery and extension, estaires, france, chatham-holmes family collection, 1st australian casualty clearing station

The Château de Malmaison is a country house in the city of Rueil-Malmaison about 12 km from Paris. It was formerly the residence of Joséphine de Beauharnais and, with the Tuileries, was from 1800 to 1802 the headquarters of the French government. (Wikipedia)A black and white postcard showing a garden setting with rose in the foreground. It is the garden of Chateau de la Malmaison, Rueil, France.chatham-holmes family collection, chateau de la malmaison, reiel, garden, france

This item has been brought back to Australia by a returning soldier from World War One (1914-1918). At a time when France was completely disrupted by the ravages of war many French women, especially those in rural areas, earned a living by making souvenir pieces of embroidery to sell to soldiers in the Allied forces. These embroidered pieces took the form of postcards, doyleys, centerpieces, handkerchiefs etc. The items are noted for the handcraft skills shown by the makers and are prized by collectors today. This item, although fragile, is of considerable interest, firstly as an attractive embroidered piece and secondly, because of its association with World War One as an example of the souvenirs brought back from France to Australia by returning soldiers. This is an oblong-shaped handkerchief or doyley. It has a pink or mauve silk square in the middle with a coloured motif embroidered in one corner. This s a shield with representations of several European flags and embroidered wording underneath. The silk square is edged in a wave pattern in pink. The square has a white lace border. The item is slightly stained and has fold marks.Souvenir de Franceworld war one

Superfex Camera - made of plastic with a Fexar Spec Optic made by Fritz Kaftanski. Originally made in Prague in Czechosovakia from 1938 - 1942. This camera was made in Lyon, France in 1942 after Company moved from Prague. This is shown on the lower right front of the camera. The back is removable using the two clips on each side. Provisions made for two spools - one blank, the other for the 127 film role. Shutter button on top front of camera. M & B lever for exposure settings is on the side. A carrying cord is fitted.Superfex - Fexar spec Optic - Francephotography, cameras

Boeschepe is a commune in the Nord department in northern France, next to the Belgian border.Black and white postcard showing a number of buildings lining an unmade road. chatham-holmes family collection, boeschepe, france, world war, world war 1, grande place

WW 1 issue,Cigar Box addressed to Mrs C. Wallis - France 1916Wooden Cigar Box addressed to Mrs. C. Wallis - France 1916. Brown wooden cigar box French in origin. Has French title on the top lid of "Meriel Deluxe" with a ribbon design stating as supplied to the house of Lords, central brand logo of I.P.L., No. 13. Front of the box has a caption of "Bouquets DE Rothschild"

Embroidered post card made in France which reads to... W West from Worthy. Embroidered silk postcards became a booming industry during the First World War that was largely driven by women. Many French women embroidered strips of silk in their homes before sending them to a factory to be mounted on card by a largely female production line. Designs endorsing patriotism and unity were popular amongst Allied troops.White rectangular bi-fold card with window mounted embroidery of the colours and flags of different countries in the shape of 1918. Inside is glossy paper with decorative flowers and printed and handwritten messages. Bound with yellow ribbon.Front: "1918 / souvenir from France" (embroidered) "Merry Christmas" (printed) wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard

Professor S. Jordon worked at the Ecole Centrale des Arts et Manufactures, France.Brown cloth covered book with black leather spine, with many drawings. metallurgy, books, s. jordan, france, ecole centrale des arts et manufactures, samson jordon

Postcard from WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion while posted in France to his family at home.Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back homeWhite rectangular postcard with embroidered numbers representing flags and colours of different countries. Front: "1914 / 1915 / 1916 / 1917" "Souvenir from France" (embroidered)wwi, postcard, embroidered postcard, carte postale