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, ww1, postcard

non-fictionEnemy Rear Organisation map Scale 1 : 40,000maps, world war 1914 - 1918

WW1 Australian soldier Holmes Famiiy memento. 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)Australian soldier's WW1souvenirA 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, postcard

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

The Sun Newspaper Articles on the Landings in France on D-Day 7/6/1944History of World War 2The Sun Newspaper reporting on the D_Day Landings in FranceThe Sun Newspaper reporting on the D=Day Landings in France 7/6/1944the landings in france on d-day 7/6/1944

The town of Vire is on a rocky promontory above the Vire River, situated in the south-west of the Calvados department of Lower Normandy, about half way between Caen (north-east of Vire) and Mont-Saint-Michel (to the south-west). Since 2016 the town has been part of the commune called Vire-Normandie. The town suffered quite heavily during bombardments at the end of the Second World War, and much reconstruction and renovation took place in the decade that followed the end of the war. (https://www.francethisway.com/places/vire.php) Julien Hardy, a stonemason and first discoverer of gold at Happy Valley, near Ballarat, Victoria Australia, was born near Vire, France. This photograph was taken by a descendant of Julian Hardy.Two colour photographs of buildings in the town of Vire, Normandie, France.julien hardy, vire, normandy

Photocopy of letter written by [John] Cecil Jessop to Alma Kavenagh nee Kelly from France, with typed transcription and explanatory note by Catherine Daffey. 3 p.non-fictionworld war 1, cecil jessop, alma kavenagh

Colour photograph of a monument in in Vire, Francevire, france

The Old Gateway or the Saint-Sauveur Gateway (13th Century). After the old regime it had, for some time, served as a Town Hall. In august 1944, the US troops, eager to facilitate truck traffic provisioning the frontline, wanted to blow up this tower. It was saved by the energetic intervention of Mayor Andre Halbout. The town plan of 1946 rerouted Chaussee Street, which now passes to the north of the tower. The south tower, its twin, disappeared in 1788.Colour photograph of the Old Gateway, Vire, Franceold gateway, vire, france

Colour photograph inside the tower, Vire, France

Colour photographs of the Old Gateawy Tower, Vire, France

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 a ruined tank in France during 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 a ruined tank in France during World War One.world war one, france, tank

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

A number of photographs of German World War One Trenching on The Somme, France.the somme, world war one, german trenchiing, trenches, bayenwald

Colour photograph of a World War Two memorial in Vire, Normandy, France.world war 2, war memorial, vire, normandy, france

Holmes Family WW1 memorabilia 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. She bought the house in April 1799 for herself and her husband, General Napoléon Bonaparte. From 1800 to 1802 the headquarters of the French government. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Malmaison, accessed 11/07/2014(Black and White postcard of a double storey chateau in France.chatham-holmes family collection, mailmaison, france, world war one, napoleon, postcard

Presented to CSM Brent 6th Bn at 2 Aust Inf Bde Sports France 11.6.17A shield shape FOB with a single suspension point and ring. Obverse - ' 2nd Aust Inf Bde Sports France 11.6.17 ' Reverse - ' 168 CSM BRENT 6th BATn AIF ' Hallmarked Obverse - ' 2nd Aust Inf Bde Sports France 11.6.17 ' Reverse - ' 168 CSM BRENT 6th BATn AIF ww1, 5/6 rvr, 6th infantry battalion, 2nd australian infantry brigade

Presented to 168 CSM F. Brent for 2nd Aust Inf Bde Sports - France - 11.6.17168 CSM Frank Thomas Brent served in the 6th Battalion in WW1 . He was awarded a DCM for conspicuous gallantry and devotion in an attack. He took command of a party and attacked an enemy strong point, capturing 20 prisoners and 2 machine guns. He also rendered valuable assistance in consolodationg the captured position and set a splendid example to his men.A stylised cross in a circular pattern with a single suspension point and ring Obverse - ' 2nd Aust Inf Bde Sports France 11.6.17 ' Reverse - ' 168 CSM BRENT 6th Batn AIF' Hallmarked Diameter - 33Obverse - ' 2nd Aust Inf Bde Sports France 11.6.17 ' Reverse - ' 168 CSM BRENT 6th Batn AIF'ww1, 5/6 rvr, 2nd australian infantry brigade

paris, france

Digital copy of a World War One gravestone in Ramparts Cemetery, Lille, France. The buried soldier is unknown so the gravestone includes the words 'known unto God'.world war one, ramparts cemetery, known unto god

Postcard sent by a soldier serving in Northern France in 1916 to, it is believed, Miss Olive Appleton.White coloured postcard with a silk inset on the front that has been embroidered with a basket of multi-coloured flowers and the words 'A Kiss from France'. Handwritten message in blue in on the back.North France 18/4/16 Dear Olive Got this card to let you know where I am and that I am in the best of health and spirits. Remember me to all. From Yours Sincerely Fred. xxx wwi, world war i

Leo Charles Roy Pallamountagne was born at Moyhu, Vic, Aus. and at the time of WW 1 was employed as a farm hand on the property of Mrs Ellen McCormack (nee Power) at Ovens Vale, Victoria, Australia. Ellen's husband, John McCormack, had deceased 1916. Leo was born at Moyhu, Vic. 1899. He enlisted for service abroad on 30/8/1916 and was posted to the 21st Battalion, Serial No. 6829. Leo's next of kin was nominated as Clara Pallamountagne of Benalla, Victoria. Leo's father was listed as "whereabouts unknown" at the time of Leo's enlistment. Leo was wounded in action in France, Oct 1917. Leo returned to Australia on 10th March 1919 and was discharged on 17th April the same year. Leo (or Leon) married Evelyn Mary Paxman in 1922, they had seven children. Leo died on 23rd April, 1941 at the Military Hospital, Caulfield. Address in 1931 was Pier Street, Dromana. Occupation, Civil Servant Address in 1936 was Tresco, Victoria, Occupation, OrchardistMemorabilia of Leo Pallamountagne War Service on Western Front, France, 1917. Postcard of card and light gauze cloth upon which is embroided six flags in national colours flanking a rising sun plus wording in red on a blue ribbon flourish "For Liberty and Justice 1917"Hand written in pencil Addressed to Mrs J McCormack, Ovens Vale, Victoria, Australia. "France Sept 1917 To the Company just a few lines hoping you are all well as it leaves me at present There is not news here at present but will write again, Your true Friend Leo, Pallamountagnepallamountagne. western front. postcard.

Colour photographs of the Arc D'Triomphe and details. paris, france, arc d'triomphe, sculpture

Colour photographs of Notre Dame and sculptural details. paris, france, notre dame, sculpture

Unique Canvas and paper Australian Army Pay book issued to James Walter Healy a Ferrier Sgt in France in 1916.Full details of Pay received when on active service in France in 1916