Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of Gunners of 101 Battery 1st Field Regiment, RAA at Fire Support Base Baton engage an area east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam, softening the landing zone prior to 1 ATF Infantry Units heliborn assault against NVA/VietCong's D445 Battalion (circa July 1969)photograph, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, 101 battery, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), fire support base baton, gibbons collection catalogue, gunners, 1st australian task force, infantry units, heliborn assault, denis gibbons

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of Gnr John Lyall with his opposite partners enjoy a game of euchre. The 104 Battery Gunners kept themselves busy in the 105mm gun position, in a state of readiness, to react to the call for supporting Artillery fire from Infantry Units. during a lull in action at 4 RAR/NZ Fire Support Base Betty during Tet Offensive 1969photograph, 104 battery raa, 4 rar nz, tet offensive, 1969, gnr john lyall, gibbons collection catalogue, long bien, gunners, royal australian artillery, denis gibbons, 4 rar/nz (anzac), fire support base betty, 105mm howitzer, infantry units

8th Boe AFA the eight Battalion were among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the 1st WW.Reynolds and Company Eb Cavalry Trumpet.On the flare of the trumpet the wording "Reynolds & Co. Challenge - A. P. Sykes Melbourne. Presented by Myer Emporium Ltd to 8th Boe AFA Melbourne Centenary Celebrations. 1931. surrounded by branches and foliage.

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Gunners of 101 Battery, 1st Australian Field Regt RAA at Fire Support Base "Baton", east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam. They are softening up the landing zone prior to 1 ATF Infantry Units heliborn assault against the NVA/VietCong's D445 Battalion. (Circa July 1969)photograph, 101 battery, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, fire support base baton, nva/vc, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, gunners

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of Gunners of 101 Battery 1st Australian Field Regt RAA at Fire Support Base Baton engage an area east of Nui Dat, Phuoc Tuy Province, Sth Vietnam softening up the landing zone prior to 1 ATF Infantry units heliborn assault against NVA/VietCong's D445 Battalion (circa July 1969)photograph, 101 battery, 1st australian field regiment, raa, 1st atf base, nui dat, phuoc tuy province, fire support base baton, nva/vc, d445 battalion (nva/vietcong), gibbons collection catalogue, gunners, infantry, nva/vietcong, denis gibbons

The 67th (Bendigo) Infantry was the local Militia Infantry Unit from 1912-1918. It's members came from Bendigo up to Deniliquin and Bendigo up to Kerang - Swan Hill areas.This is a leather bound book (Manuscript). The type of leather is called "old goat leather". The title and words are gold embossed. It is fastened with 4 brass Chicago screw binders. Inside are pages of A4. size. The history section is of 165 pages - text, images, black and white and colour. The second half of the book is A4 size excel spreadsheet with approx 2100 names.ww1, militia, citizen forces, 67th infantry

The 5th Battalion, Victorian Scottish Regiment was amalgamated into the Royal Victoria Regiment in 1960. The heritage of this Australian Infantry unit is maintained today by the Pipes and Drums of the 5th/6th Battalion, the Royal Victoria RegimentThe only known photograph of these Pipe Majors together. PD5/6-00102-1 Original framed photograph with damage PD5/6-00102-2 Digitally restored framed photograph Both show three generations of Pipe Majors from the 5th Battalion (the Victorian Scottish Regiment) and 5th/6th Battalion (the Royal Victoria Regiment) Pipes and Drums. Pictured: WO2 David Bail (Pipe Major 1972-1987), WO1 Don MacPhie (Pipe Major 1964-1972) and LT Duncan MacLennan MBE (Rtd) (Pipe Major 1952-1964). 5th battalion, victorian scottish regiment, australian army, pipes and drums, 5/6 rvr pipes and drums, pipe major, vsr, shine of remembrance, 5th/6th battalion, royal victoria regiment

the 39the Infantry Battalion unit symbol is on the centre of the plaque, its fixed onto a grey cloth, the metal plate below the unit symbol stated its "presented to 5/6 RVR Sergeants Mess by 39 BN Association 1992"

Arthur Coulson had served two years with the Victorian Mounted Rifles when he volunteered for active service. He was in the First Contingent, Mounted Infantry Unit sent to South Africa. He was engaged in scouting duties. Private Coulson contracted enteric fever (typhoid) and died in hospital. His death was the first from disease in the Regiment. He was given a military funeral.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".arthur coulson, victorian mounted rifles, first contingent, scouting, enteric fever, military funeral

15230 Sergeant Jeffrey Max Duroux, Royal Australian Infantry, Units:6 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment* 9 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Vietnam service: 8 June 1966- 5 January 1969 Date of death: 5 January 1969, South Vietnam. *Duroux was a Battle of Long Tan veteran. He was an Aboriginal soldier, one of several who served in Vietnam.1x Australian Active Service Medal (clasps Thai-Malaya, Malaya, Vietnam) 1x General Service Medal (clasp Malaya) 1x Vietnam Medal 1x Australian Service Medal 1945-75 S.E. Asia 1x Australian Defence Medal 1x Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal 1960- 1x Malaysia Medal 1x Infantry Combat Badge 3x Presidential Unit Citation Badgessgt. jeffrey max duroux, aboriginal, long tan, 6 rar, 9 rar, medal, badge, killed in action

This is the badge of the Australian Commonwealth Horse which was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army established during the Second Boer War in 1902. It was the first expeditionary force established by the Commonwealth of Australia following Federation in 1901 and the first to wear the Rising Sun Badge, a design chosen by the British Commander in Chief of the Australian Forces, Sir Edward Hutton. This Rising Sun Badge was the second version of a military badge used by Australian soldiers in 1902.This badge is of great interest as the hat badge worn by the Australian Commonwealth Horse in the Boer War. It is not known if it has any local significance. Brass semi-circular badge in the shape of the rising sun with slightly curved bottom edge. There is text along the bottom edge with "Australia" in a semi-circle above a crown in low relief.two hooks on the back of the badge."Commonwealth Horse" in scroll alonf bottom of badge. "Australia " in semicircle below the rays of the sun.warrnambool, commonwealth horse badge, military badges of australia, australian commonwealth horse badge

A poster containing the details of all the Infantry Battalion of Australian units in WWI, containing all the colour patches.

2/14 Queensland Mounted Infantry plaque, the unit symbol on the plaque is over the red and yellow unit patch colour. Its fixed onto the light wood plaque

James Roberts was born at Rushworth, Victoria, in 1872. He matriculated and graduated from Melbourne University in Civil Engineering. He had recently re-entered university to study medicine. While in university he was a lieutenant of the University Corps of Officer and then obtained a commission in the Victorian Mounted Rifles. At the outbreak of war, Roberts immediately volunteered for service in South Africa. He was in the first contingent - mounted infantry unit. He was mentioned in dispatches. Lieutenant Roberts was killed at Rensburg on 12 February 1900.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".james roberts, rushworth, melbourne university, civil engineering, medicine, university corps of officers, victorian mounted rifles, south africa, rensburg, first contingent, mounted infantry unit

Private Willson was part of the First Contingent - Mounted Infantry Unit sent to South Africa. He joined the Victorian Mounted Rifles only a few weeks prior to this. During an attack in force by the Boers, at Hobkirk's Farm near Rensburg, he was struck by a ball in the eye and died instantly. He was known to be a brave man and good soldier. He was 23 years old. The back cover of the booklet shows a reduced facsimile of the Queen's Chocolate Box received by the late Private A H Willson.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".albert herbert willson, private, first contingent, mounted infantry, victorian mounted rifles, rensburg, south africa, hobkirk's farm, boers

These badges or insignia are probably British and belong to artillery and infantry military units but no further information has been found regarding them. They were probably attached to the shoulder pad or other part of the military uniform.These items have no known local provenance but are kept for display purposes..1 A metal badge or piece of insignia with two crossed cannons and a bursting bomb and the number 158 in the centre of the bomb. .2 A metal badge or piece of insignia in the shape of a shield with two crossed cannons, a wheel and flame. There are three metal rings at the back for affixing the item to part of a uniform. .3 A metal badge or piece of insignia with two crossed rifles, a circle with the number 158 and a crown atop. .4 A metal badge or piece of insignia in the form of a shield with two crossed cannons and a bursting bomb. There are three metal rings at the back for attachment to part of a uniform. 158military insignia, history of warrnambool, badges

The wearing of lanyards, of various colours, on the right shoulder, applies to all members of the Australian Army except for Infantry Corps units and ‘A’ Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery who wear their lanyards on the left shoulder. The word ‘Lanyard’ itself is commonly used to describe a short rope to hold something, and can therefore be used to describe various items in use by the military. Orange and blue plaited lanyardlanyard, twine

George Eddy was born in Castlemaine (1860) and joined the Third Battalion of Militia at Ballarat in 1885. In 1890 he gained a position on the permanent staff of the Victorian Rangers and promoted to Major in 1897. Eddy went to England (1898-9) and was attached to the Devonshire Regiment. Major Eddy was killed at Rensburg, Province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 1900. He was Senior Officer of the First Contingent, commanding the Infantry Unit. Colonel Carter wrote..." ....I brought the gallant conduct of your husband and his command under the notice of the General .....He was a genial comrade and a gallant soldier, and he is, I fear, an irreparable loss to the Australian Contingent." ('Argus' April 1900)Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".george eddy, castlemaine, third battalion of militia ballarat, victorian rangers, devonshire regiment, major, rensburg, south africa

Alexander Ross was born in Castlemaine in 1879. He became a member of the 4th Battalion Infantry Brigade and was noted for his soldierly qualities. When volunteers were called for the First Contingent, Mounted Infantry Unit going to South Africa, he was one of the first to enlist. In the Battle at Rensburg he was shot through the chest and died shortly after. Major Eddy and Lieutenant Roberts also died in the same action. About a fortnight before he was killed Corporal Ross had mailed the Queen's Chocolate Box he had received, to his father. In it was a letter which included information "...I am quite well and have not seen action yet. I remain Your affectionate son Alexander Ross"Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".alexander ross, corporal, castlemaine, 4th battalion infantry brigade, first contingent, mounted infantry unit, south africa, rensburg, major eddy, lieutenant roberts, queen's chocolate box

The 11th Australian Infantry Battalion AIF was was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the First World War It was first raised at Black Boy Hill Camp in Western Australia on 17 August 1914 and recruited from militia units. This picture of the 11th Battalion at the Cheops pyramid in Egypt in 1915 was taken just before the landing at Anzac Cove. Not many of the soldiers in this picture survived the 8 month campaign. After the Campaign on the Gallipoli Peninsula, the 11th Battalion went on to serve with distinction in France and Belgium from 1916-18. They returned to Australia at the end of the war and disbanded on the 5 February 1919. The Battalion was awarded a Kings Colour for its service during the war which was held in the of custody the Militia 2/11th Battalion. Prior to leaving Egypt, a photograph of more than 800 original officers and men of the battalion was undertaken at the great pyramid of Cheops This picture was taken just before the landing at Anzac Cove during the First World War. Not many of the soldiers in this picture survived the 8 month campaign. This now famous picture of the 11th Battalion AIF at the Cheops pyramid in Egypt in 1915 is shown throughout military history displays and books the world over.Burgundy frame, black mounting, gold writing with a photo of 11th Battalion soldiers standing and sitting on the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. There are seven rising sun badges beneath photo.ANZACS at War. Fall an ANZAC Rise a legend. The 11th Battalion at the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. We will remember - Lest we forget. Limited edition 4438 of 5000.anzac, wwi, world war 1, cheops, pyramid, soldiers

The ACMF was the Australian Citizen Military Forces and was the Army Reserve. Part of the collection of "William Fawcett" V246452 refer Cat No 9627.Three (3) cream colour foolscap sheets with writing in purple, lists 33 officers who have been terminated from ACMF and transferred to Royal Aust Infantry or other related units.Headed: "Routine orders Part 11 No's 77-145 incl. By Brigadier S.M. McDONALD MC", "RESTRICTED".cmf, termination of contract, fawcett 1

70th Infantry - Pre WWI Militia unit based in Ballarat. Item in the collection re E.J Jones No 3511 and T.R Jones No 1982 AIF. refer 1377 and 1367.5.Badge, pressed brass. Scroll top and bottom, each side boomerang, centre is eagle over depiction of gold nuggets? with " Welcome 2195 025""70th infantry, Ballarat Regiment, swift and Bold”numismatics - badges, metalcraft - brassware, military history - army, 70th, jones

The 2nd Pioneer Battalion was an Australian infantry and light engineer unit raised for service during the First World War as part of the all volunteer Australian Imperial Force. Formed in Egypt in March 1916, the battalion subsequently served on the Western Front in France and Belgium, after being transferred to the European battlefields shortly after its establishment. Rectangular shaped black and white Photograph.A Platoon of the 2nd, Pioneer Battalion Att. to the 1St.Aust. Tunnelling Company at Rance in Belgium 19 Jan 1919 Sgt. W J Branch 3rd from right front row. army, rance belgium,australian army, lara r.s.l., !st.australian tunnelling company, 2nd pioneer battalion.

This cup was awarded at a sports day held in 1937 by the Second Cavalry Division of the Victorian Light Horse regiments (The 4th/19th Light Horse Regiment was active in the Warrnambool region at that time). The Victorian Light Horse had both mounted infantry and cavalry units and was the successor in the early 1900s to the Victorian Mounted Rifles founded by Colonel Tom Price in 1886. Eight mounted contingents from Australia served in the Boer War and the Australian Light Horse served with distinction in World War One. The Australian Light Horse, as official military units, ceased to exist in the 1940s. It is not known to whom this cup was awarded in 1937. This cup is of considerable interest as a memento of the activities of the Victorian Light Horse regiments in the 1930s, possibly in the Warrnambool district.This is a silver-plated cup on a circular Bakelite stand. The cup has two side handles and is inscribed on one side. The cup is slightly tarnished. ‘2 Cav.Div. Sports 1937 2nd - Best Remount’victorian light horse regiments, history of warrnambool

This short history is in a display of photos and a copy of a letter written home by Sgt Carroll to his Aunt.A brief written life history from birth to death of William Carroll service Number 815. As written by a member of Red Cliffs R.S.L. in consultation with the family.Born in Wangaratta in 1891, was a drover and boundary rider in Queensland when enlisted.Sgt. Carroll was one of the original members of the 21st Battalion, 6th Brigade, 1st AIF, which was formed at Broadmeadows early 1915. The battalion embarked from Melbourne on the Uylsses on the 8th May 1915 enroute to the Middle East. Saw action Middle East> Gallipoli>Middle East to reform and reorganise > Western Front> Somme> Bullecourt> Ypres> Somme> Mont St. Quentin> Villiers Bretonneux> Hamel Mutiny./ Sgt. Carroll was twice wounded in action (at Fluers and Broondseinde)and was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, with a Sgt Cozens (No 825 also original member, on the 15th September 1916, for exceptional zeal in the performance of their duties and coolness in action, which had a great affect on the moral of their mem. He was discharged medically unfit with gun wounds to his left knee and back. Of the full Battalion strength of the original Officers and men, there were 16 Officers and 24 Or's left. 21st Battalion left buried on foreign soil 47 Officers and 827 Or's. It was the highest decorated Battalion of the 6th Brigade. Listed are some of the Battles and Misfortunes that Sgt. Carrol survived to return to Australia. Torpedoed on the troop ship Southland enroute to Gallipoli 1915;/ First Australian troops to Garrison Cairo; First Australian Infantry Unit into line in France; Last out of the line; Staging a successful mutiny; 21st Battalion was disbanded in 1918. Sgt. Carroll was given block 276 Red Cliffs, he sold his block in 1982. He was interested in Community affairs and was involved in ADFA, RSL, Mildura Club, and Mildura Show Society and was the third last Red Cliffs Soldier Settler to die. He was in his 100th year.medal, distinguished, battalion, aif, 21st, 6th, brigade, 1st, mutiny, gallipoli, wangaratta, 1891, boundary, rider, ulysses, middle, east, western, front, conduct

Bugles have been used for hundreds of years for communicating instructions, particularly in battles, and announcements such as calls to assemble and various other routines of the day, particularly for infantry and military units. This pure silver bugle was presented to the Warrnambool Rifle Volunteers by Lady Helpman, on behalf of the Ladies of the District of Warrnambool, on June 18th, 1861. Lady Helpman's husband, Captain Benjamin Franklin Helpman, was Warrnambool Harbour master. The gift of this silver bugle was presented to the commanding officer of the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Corps, Captain Bushe, who then passed it on to the Warrnambool Volunteer Band. On 11th August 2016, during a ceremony at Flagstaff Hill, the Australian Army handed over custodianship of two very significant historical items the 1885 W. Clarke Trophy and the 1861 Warrnambool Ladies Silver Bugle to Warrnambool City Council, for display at Flagstaff Hill Maritime museum, both heritage listed items are strongly connected to the city of Warrnambool and form an integral part in the history of the Warrnambool Garrison.The Silver Bugle is locally significant to the community of Warrnambool for its connection to the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Corps., which formed part of the original Warrnambool Garrison to protect the Warrnambool Harbour. The site of the 1888 Warrnambool Garrison and Fortifications is Victorian State Heritage-listed is significant for its intact and operational nature and is one of the best-preserved pieces of Victoria's early colonial heritage. Silver alloy Bugle, with brass mouthpiece, a long tube of metal, narrow at the mouth end and gradually flaring to a wider at the bell shape at the other end. The tube is shaped into 3 bends. The front of the bell has an elaborate design of a ribbon banner attached above an oval floral wreath enclosing an inscription. The outer rim of the bell has an impressed ancient Greek geometric border.On ribbon banner “Armed for the Right”. Within the wreath “TO THE / WARRNAMBOOL / VOLUNTEER RIFLE COMPANY / this tribute of due appreciation / is presented by / THE LADIES / of the District / Warrnambool 18th June / 1861”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, silver bugle 1861, bugle musical instrument, lieutenant benjamin helpman, doctor breton, captain bushe, bugler corrigan, drill instructor bernard, warrnambool volunteer rifle corps 1861, statistics of warrnambool volunteer rifle corps 1861, warrnambool volunteer rifle company, warrnambool rifle volunteers, warrnambool volunteer band, armed for the right, wall’s family hotel warrnambool, warrnambool garrison, volunteer corps

George Alfred Yung, known as Alf, pictured in the second row, 10th from the left, enlisted on 25/02/1916; embarked on 19/02/1917; was killed during the battle of Menin Gate at Yrpres, Belgium on 20/09/1917. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51447 The 7th Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the First World War. Like the 5th, 6th and 8th Battalions, it was recruited from Victoria and, together with these battalions, formed the 2nd Brigade. The battalion was raised by Lieutenant Colonel H. E. "Pompey" Elliott within a fortnight of the declaration of war in August 1914 and embarked just two months later. After a brief stop in Albany, Western Australia, the battalion proceeded to Egypt, arriving on 2 December. It later took part in the ANZAC landing on 25 April 1915, as part of the second wave. Ten days after the landing, the 2nd Brigade was transferred from ANZAC to Cape Helles to help in the attack on the village of Krithia. The attack captured little ground but cost the brigade almost a third of its strength. The Victorian battalions returned to ANZAC to help defend the beachhead, and in August the 2nd Brigade fought at the battle of Lone Pine. While holding positions captured by the 1st Brigade, four members of the 7th Battalion, Corporal A. S. Burton, Acting Corporal W. Dunstan, Lieutenant W. Symons and Captain F. H. Tubb, earned the Victoria Cross - Burton posthumously. The battalion served at ANZAC until the evacuation in December. After the withdrawal from Gallipoli in December 1915, the battalion returned to Egypt. In March 1916, it sailed for France and the Western Front and entered the front line trenches for the first time on 3 May. The battalion's first major action in France was at Pozieres in the Somme valley where it fought between 23-27 July and 15-21 August. After Pozieres the battalion manned trenches in the Ypres salient in Belgium, before returning to the Somme valley. It saw out the horrendous winter of 1916-1917 rotating between training, working parties and duty in the trenches. In early 1917, the Germans withdrew to the Hindenburg Line and the 7th Battalion participated in the brief advance that followed and then came to a grinding halt before Bullecourt. The battalion was withdrawn from the front line for training on 9 May 1917 and did not return to action until the Ypres offensive of September and October. It fought major battles at Menin Road on 20 September and Broodseinde on 4 October, and then spent much of ensuing winter in the Ypres mud. In March and April 1918 the 7th helped stop the German spring offensive in northern France and later participated in the Allies' own great offensive of 1918, that began with the battle of Amiens on 8 August. The advance by British and empire troops on 8 August was the greatest success in a single day on the Western Front, one that German General Erich Ludendorff described as, "the black day of the German Army in this war". The battalion continued operations until late September 1918. At 11 am on 11 November 1918, the guns fell silent. The November armistice was followed by the peace treaty of Versailles signed on 28 June 1919. In November 1918 members of the AIF began to return to Australia for demobilisation and discharge. In March, the battalion was so reduced that it and the 6th Battalion were amalgamated to form a composite battalion. In turn, this battalion was merged with another, formed from the 5th and 8th Battalions, to form the 2nd Brigade Battalion. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51447army, soldier, alf yung, 7th australian infantry battalion

.1) Box open, cardboard, dark green buckram, white paper lining, gold print on sides. .2) - .7) Hard cover book, cardboard, dark green buckram with gold print on front cover & spine. Pages are plain, cut, white, black print, black & white illustrations. .2) Volume 1 of 6. Unit & Location Indexes / Bibliography, Orders of Battle. 483 pages. .3) Volume 2 of 6. Headquarters, Infantry, Cavalry / Armoured & Intelligence Units. 605 pages. .4) Volume 3 of 6. Artillery, Air Defence and Engineer Units. 626 pages. .5) Volume 4 of 6. Medical and Signal Units. Box of 6 books. The Unit Guide / The Australian Army / 1939 - 1945. 654 pages .6) Volume 5 of 6. Aust Army Service Corps, Aust Army Ordnance Corps and Aust Electrical & Mechanical Engineer Units. 706 pages. .7) Volume 6 of 6. Womens Services / Volunteer Defence Corps / War Graves, Survey, Labour, Salvage / Military Policing / Recruiting & Training / Dental, Bath & Laundry / Veterinary & Animal / Movements & Transit / Pay, Records & Printing, Postal / Amenities & Canteens Units. 568 pages. books- military history, unit guide

There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. Between 1899 and 1902, around 16,500 Australians served in South Africa during the Boer War. This was the largest international deployment of troops from the Australian Colonies before Australian Federation. Of the 16,500 men who served in South Africa, 606 were killed in action or died of diseases. The Australian War Memorial records that the fighting conditions in South Africa extremely hard on men and horses. Australians fighting in South Africa were doing so as part of Colony based Regiments such as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, New South Wales Lancers, Queensland Mounted Infantry as well as units from the other states. Australians were awarded six Victoria Crosses during the campaign along with many other decorations. In May of 1902 the treaty of Vereeniging was signed officially ending the Boer War. The Boer War is commemorated in many Towns and Cities around Australia. The Lara RSL Sub Branch holds some memorabilia from the Boer War. There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. He was a resident of Lara and was a member of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles. It was reported that he carried this flag into battle. The Lara RSL also holds the flag staff of the China, South African and Old Veterans Association. Both these items are of national significance. Both the flag and flag staff were used in marches in Geelong each year until 1916 when Anzac Day commenced. The flag and flag staff were donated to the Lara RSL sub Branch when he joined in 1928. Fredrick James Smith was born at Lara in 1879, the son of Mr/Mrs Smith from Lara. He was a farm hand from Horton Vale, Anakie when he joined F Company of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles at the beginning of February 1901. Two weeks later, he left for South Africa on the 15th February. Before leaving, he purchased the flag from W. Libby & Son Geelong. Frederick Left for South Africa on the 15 February 1901 on the Orient. He saw service between March 1901 - March 1902 in east Transvaal and Natal frontier under the British Major General S. Beatson then Pulteney, including the defeat at Wilmansrust where 18 soldiers were killed and 42 wounded (12th June 1901 - heaviest casualties of any Australian contingent,); and the successful intervention at Onverwacht on the 4th January 1902. The 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles suffered: 36 killed or died of wounds, 13 died of disease of a contingent of 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks and 1099 horses. They returned to Australia on the 26th April 1902 on the Custodian after sailing from Point Natal in South Africa on the 5th April. On his return, Tropper Smith (Saddler Private) joined the South African Soldiers Association of Victoria – Geelong Branch, and after 1928, he joined the Lara RSL. He was buried in Western Cemetery on the 19th June 1968 at the age of 89. Enrolled February 1901 Departed for South Africa on 15 February 1901 Establishment: 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks with 1099 horses Mobilised at Pretoria: 24 March -- 4 April 1901 Typical company: 1 Captain, 4 Lieutenants, 1 company sergeant-major, 1 company quartermaster-sergeant, 1 sergeant-farrier, 1 sergeant-saddler, 5 sergeants, 6 corporals, 3 shoeing-smiths, 3 saddlers, 1 bugler, 99 privates. Total in company: 126 with 131 horses. Engagements: Rhenoster Kop, Klippan, Kornfontein, Drivelfontein, Wilmansrust, Kambuladraai, H'Lobane, Luchiel's Nek, Loch's Kraal, Vryheid, Onverwacht, Johnston Hoek Killed in action (or died): six Officers, 48 Other Ranks VC Winner: Lieut. L. C. Maygar News article Leader (Melbourne) Saturday 31st May 1902, page 42 - Dear Cinderella. — This is the second time I have written to you. I was very sorry at not seeing my first letter in "The Leader". But I hope to say, that this one will be in. The last time I wrote to you I told you that my brother (Fredrick Smith) went to the Boer War in South Africa, and that he was supposed to be killed in the Wilmansrust disaster. But this time I am going to tell you about his return, and the grand welcome he got from the residents of Lara. Mother, Father, and my Brother, went down to Melbourne, to meet the boat. You can just imagine how rejoiced we all were to see him back again. The railway station was decorated some thing beautiful with flags of all description all the colours you could think of. He has bought a lot of Boer curios home and some Kaffir bracelets. They are such funny looking things. The residents of Lara, also gave my brother a grand social and ball there were over four hundred people present, They presented him with a hand some gold chain, and locket suitably inscribed, and a pair of gold sleeve links, they were magnificent. The ball was very nice. . I had a few dances. I enjoyed myself grand. I think this is all I can tell you this time. I must conclude with love. I remain yours sincerely - BESSIE SMITH. Age 14-years. This flag is of national significance as it was used in the Boer War by Private Fredrick James Smith (SN:1229) of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles, F Company in their deployment to South Africa between 1901 and 1902. The flag was taken into the Wilmansrust engagement in which 19 soldiers died and 41 were wounded. On return to Australia, the flag was used in marches by the South Africa, China Old Veterans Association - Geelong. This flag represents a unique part of Australian history from which the movie, Breaker Morant was taken. It is of spiritual significance as the Boer War was where the first Australian received the Imperial Victoria Cross, and the spirit of Anzac was conceived, giving birth in World War 1. The Flag represents the spirit of Australians who fought and died in South Africa.Cotton Union Jack flag approx 221cm wide by 109cm tall with small repair patches and center section cotton deteriorated.Has the word "Lara" inscribed in black on bottom part of the flag heading. Has the flag makers name "W.Libby & Son" on the top part of the flag heading.boer war, union jack flag, south africa, wilmansrust, 5th victorian mounted rifles, f coy, private fredrick james smith, service number 1229, february 1901, april 1902, south africa china old veterans association