Showing 25 items
matching japanese landing
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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - WES HARRY COLLECTION: JAPANESE LANDING AT RABAUL
... WES HARRY COLLECTION: JAPANESE LANDING AT RABAUL...Japanese Landing...Post Card print of a painting entitled ' The Japanese... POSTCARD Photograph world war two Japanese Landing Vulcan Beach ...Post Card print of a painting entitled ' The Japanese landing at Vulcan beach, Rabaul, 23rd January, 1942, by G. R. Mainwaring. Produced by the Australian War Memorial.postcard, photograph, world war two, japanese landing, vulcan beach, rabaul, war in the pacific, world war two -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Framed Photograph, Surrender of Japanese at Balikpapan, 1945
... japanese landing bardge.... There are several American landing craft next to a Japanese landing barge... craft next to a Japanese landing barge. The Japanese landing ...Japanese Commanders crossing a pontoon bridge under guard by Australian soldier on the way to the official surrender of Japanese forces in Balikpapan in (Dutch East Indies) Indonesia 1945. This was a major event in the ending of World War 2. Following the japanese surrender the Local population began it push for independance. Framed photograph (copy) of Japanese Commanders surrendering at Balikpapan. Black frame and glass covered. The Japanese Command staff with a Japanese general and aid-d-camp (Captian)carring his breif case along with other staff members. In the background here are 2 American PT boats with American naval personal .Note American flag flying in the top left corner. There are several American landing craft next to a Japanese landing barge. The Japanese landing bardge has the required surrender markings which is a green square with a white cross on top right of photo. The Australian soldier following the Japanese soldiers is wearing slouch hat and gungle green uniform. Along the docks are native workers.Paper discription on lower photograph with details of item description, where photo obtained from and donated by.ww2, japanese, surrender, balikpapan, generals, americans, pt boats, japanese landing bardge, american landing craft, dutch east indies -
Bendigo Military Museum
Print - PRINT, FRAMED, WW1, Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Limited, 2015
From information book - "Reader's Digest/ Gallipoli/ 25th April 1915 - 9th January 1916/ Centenary Commemorative Prints". Collection of 20 prints. Refer Cat No. 7300.Framed print. Print - colour print on paper. COPY OF AN ORIGINAL PAINTING - OIL PAINTING ON HARDBOARD. Depicts - an interpretation of the Gallipoli story of Private John 'Murphy' SIMPSON KIRKPATRICK and his donkey. Colours - vivid oranges with some white and brown. Visible in the painting - donkey, wounded soldier, rocky terrain, background figure of "Simpson" and cliff and gullies. Frame - Black plastic framing with glass front and MDF board backing with adhered black paper."CLIFTON PUGH (1924 - 1990) Untitled IV (Simpson and His donkey) 1990". Clifton Pugh was appointed as the Australian War Memorial's official artist at the 75th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. He served in the Second World War in New Guinea and Japan.framed accessories, pprints, ww1, gallipoli, centenary -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, BCOF, JAPAN, C.1946 - 47
Items in the collection re Clarence Shearing, refer Cat No 7089.16P for his service details.Photographs B & W and colour various sizes some are reprints of originals. Two are ships in harbour. One re troops unloading from a landing craft. One of twin very large Japanese gun in a concrete emplacement. Nine aircraft various mostly fighters.On rear of one, "Inland sea Japan"photographs, bcof, japan -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Plaque 4 Sqn.R.A.A.F. Hospital, R.A.A.F. Hospital
No 4 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, formed at Point Cook, Victoria, in October 1916. After embarking for England to complete its training, the squadron deployed to France in December 1917. From the outset, No 4 Squadron aircraft regularly engaged the Red Baron's elite 'Flying Circus' and, in spite of their lack of experience, quickly gained the ascendancy over the German squadron. During its brief war service, No 4 Squadron destroyed some 128 enemy aircraft and spawned a total of eleven aces. The squadron's highest scoring airman was Captain Cobby who, in addition to shooting down 29 aircraft, also destroyed 13 observation balloons. World War II saw No 4 Squadron Wirraways deployed to Port Moresby in support of Australian troops fighting in the New Guinea jungles. In their slow and vulnerable aircraft, losses from anti-aircraft fire were high, however, this never deterred the Wirraway crews from completing their assigned tasks. This aggressive spirit was exemplified by Pilot Officer Archer and his crewman, Sergeant Coulston, who, while on a reconnaissance mission, found themselves above a Japanese Zero fighter. Despite operating a vastly inferior aircraft, Pilot Officer Archer dived to the attack and shot down the enemy aircraft. In June 1943, No 4 Squadron received its first Boomerang fighters and continued to support Allied troops during the Cape Gloucester landings before moving to Morotai. No 4 Squadron ended the war in Borneo and returned to Australia in November 1945, where it was renamed No 3 Squadron - thus closing the chapter on a very distinguished and proud unit. Summary of Unit Name(s) Start Date End Date No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 06/06/1966 06/06/1966 No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 03/07/1966 No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 01/08/1966 01/08/1966 No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 05/09/1966 No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 29/09/1966 No. 4 RAAF Hospital, Butterworth 29/10/1966 29/10/1966 http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/research/units/4sqn.htmWooden Plaque 15cm x 13cm with insignia of 4 Sqn.R.A.A.F. Hospital 4 Sqn R.A.A.F. Hospital r.a.a.f. 4 squadron, butterworth, r.a.a.f. hospital -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Painting of H.M.A.S. Whyalla off New guinea, 1944
WW2, H.M.A.S. WhyallaWW2, H.M.A.S. Whyalla painting1. Painting of H.M.A.S. Whyalla on survey duty off New Guinea in 1944 , framed in glass and wooden frame. 2. Separate small framed statement of the painting with details of the action being under-taken by H.M.A.S. Whyalla. hanging from the paniting frame middle/centre.H.M.A.S. Whyalla In 1944, while on survey duty off New Guinea, in preparation for a landing by infantry, H.M.A.S. Whyalla was attacked by by Japanese aircraft. This is a portrayal of the attack, painted by a member of the crew it was presented to Lara R.S.L. in March 1981 by Lindsay Dunsmuir, also a member of the crew. Artist name B. Andeasenww2, lindsay d. dunsmuir,, 1944 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Flag - FLAG - IMPERIAL JAPANESE, c.1939-1945
The flag was captured by R. Thompson VX62115, 42nd Aust Landing Craft Coy. 2 AIF. Rectangular silk flag grey in colour with a solid red circle in the centre which is 40cm in diameter. The red circle is surrounded by Japanese writing in black ink. A large black ink stain is along one edge. Japanese writing - handwritten in black ink.flags, imperial japanese army, world war 2 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, KOREA, 1950-1953
The photos are a collection held by T. J. IRELAND C/K853677 P.O. STOKER MECHANIC RN while serving on HMS TRIUMPH, Korea 1950-53. Many are of the landings at INCHON, Sept. 1950. .1) Kure Harbour, Japan 1950. Ships assembling for the landings at INCHON, Korea. Ships across the top, left to right: HMAS SYDNEY, Fleet Oiler, VSS ANTIETAM, Hospital Ship & Japanese Coaster. In the foreground on the right, HMS BELFAST, HMS TRIUMPH, HMS CONSORT. On rear most photos are written on in blue pen. .2) INCHON landings Walmi-Do in background and landing barges - could be one I was driving. .3) Island - Walmi-Do - US landing craft. .4) INCHON landings. .5) US landing craft. .6) INCHON oil tanks and military targets on fire. .7) Grounded coaster after an air attack. .8) Two North Korean supply ships hit by rockets. .9) Korean supply vessels camouflaged. .10) Rocket attack on Korean supply vessel. .11) Sunken coaster that was carrying arms and food. .12) Sunken coaster in harbour. .13) & .14) North Korean armour taken from an observation flight. .15) & .16) Chinese tanks and armour. .17) HMS BELFAST, Fleet Oiler, HMAS WARRAMUNGA .18) Targets from rocket attacks. .19), .20) & .21) "Seafires" coming to land on HMS TRIUMPH. .22) Rearming cannon and rockets on a "Seafire'. Photos not written on, information was supplied by T.J. IRELAND. The "Seafire" was a naval adaption of the Supermarine Spitfire for carrier use..1) Photo, sepia tone, aerial view over a harbour with warships, bomb damage foreground, hills and buildings in the distance. .2) Photo, black & white, aerial view of harbour, city with several fires from shelling. .3) Photo, black & white, aerial view of island with landing craft. .4) Photo, black & white, aerial view over ships and harbour. .5) Photo, black & white, aerial view over four landing craft. .6) Photo, black & white, aerial view over city and fires. .7) Photo, black & white, aerial view over islands, boat .... small island. .8) Photo, black & white, aerial view over harbour with two boats on fire. .9) Photo, black & white, aerial view over structures covered. .10) Photo, black & white, aerial view over ship being attacked. .11) Photo, black & white, aerial view over harbour with sunken ship. .12) Photo, black & white, aerial view showing harbour, fire and sunken ship. .13) Photo, black & white, aerial view, five tanks along a road. .14) Photo, black & white, aerial view, same area as .13) showing a wider area. .15) Photo, black & white, aerial view showing tanks and armour. .16) Photo, black & white, aerial view road with armour, vehicles, people and smoke in distance. .17) Photo, black & white, aerial view showing three ships together. .18) Photo, black & white, aerial view showing a road control with targets either side on fire. .19) Photo, black & white, aerial view with aeroplane coming onto the deck of a carrier. .20) Photo, black & white, aerial view of a fighter plane. .21) Photo, black & white, on deck of a carrier. .22) Photo, black & white, rearming a plane with ammunition on carrier deck. Photos are various sizes.photos, korea, rn, inchon -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir Tablecloth, 1915 (estimated)
Gold coloured silk tablecloth with green braid edging and mauve silk fringing. It is heavily embroidered with various flags, crowns and flowers relating to the Gallipoli campaign. Possibly made in Eygpt. The flags featured are Australia, France, United Kingdom, Egypt, Japan, Italy, Belgium and Russia. Some fraying along folds. The RAN Bridging Train (RANBT) was a naval reserves unit trained to provided engineering support such as assembling pontoons, temporary jetties and unloading stores. The 1st RANBT supported the British landing at Suvla Bay (north of ANZAC Cove) on the 7th of August 1915.In the centre of the tablecloth, embroidered in blue silk thread, are the following words "Suvla Bay 1915 6th October 1st RANBT" (Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train)gallipoli, trench, art, souvenir, embroidered, silk, flags, tablecloth, campaign, cloth -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, A history of the 2nd Independent Company and 2/2nd Commando Squadron
The history of the No. 2 Independent Commando Company and 2/2 Commando Squadron during World War II – scarce as a 1st edition dated 1986. Having completed its training at Foster, on Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, the 2nd Independent Company was raised and travelled north to Katherine, in the Northern Territory. However, following Japan’s entry into the war, as with the other independent companies that were sent to the islands off Australia, the 2nd was sent to Timor, where it joined the 2/40th Battalion and the rest of Sparrow Force. Sparrow Force divided itself between west Timor, part of the Netherlands East Indies, and east Timor, which belonged to Portugal. The 2/40th Battalion defended the capital of west Timor, Koepang, and the airfield at Penfui. Most of the independent company moved to the airfield at Dili, in east Timor, and the nearby mountains. Portugal was opposed to the stationing of a Dutch or Australian garrison in case this provoked the Japanese, but despite this opposition, on 17 December 1941, elements of the 2nd Independent Company and Dutch troops landed near Dili. On 20 February 1942 the Japanese invaded the island, attacking east and west Timor simultaneously. The 2/40th Battalion held out for three days, but were overrun and were killed or captured. Similarly, the 2nd could not hold the airfield and were also driven back. But they were not captured and instead retreated to the mountains where they conducted a very successful and pursued a guerrilla war against the Japanese which lasted for over a year. Following the capture of Timor, the 2nd occupation the company was listed as “missing”, the company’s signallers were able to build a wireless transmitter, nicknamed ‘Winnie the War Winner’, and on 18/19 April were able to contact Darwin. At the end of May RAN vessels began landing supplies for the Australians on the south coast of east Timor. These supply runs were very dangerous but they allowed the Australians on Timor to continue fighting. In September the guerillas were reinforced with the 2/4th Independent Company. However, this could not go on indefinitely. In August the Japanese lunched a major offensive against the guerrillas and Japanese reprisals against the civilian population of east Timor reduced their support for the Australians. The 2nd (now named the 2/2nd Independent Company) and 2/4th were withdrawn in December and January 1943 respectively. Although the 2/2nd Independent Company is best known for its time on Timor, it also saw extensive service in New Guinea and New Britain. The independent company reformed at the army’s training centre at Canungra, Queensland, where it was reinforced and reequipped. The company then moved to the Atherton Tableland, where it briefly became part of the 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Regiment. Due to this reorganisation, in October, the 2/2nd Independent Company was renamed the 2/2nd Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. When this happened though, the 2/2nd was back in action. In June 1943 the 2/2nd sailed from Townsville for Port Moresby and was subsequently flown to Bena Bena, in the Bismark Range in New Guinea’s highlands. Here they supported the 2/7th Independent Company in patrolling the Ramu River area. In the second week of July the 2/2nd moved into position, with its headquarters at Bena Bena and with its platoons’ occupying neighbouring positions. By the end of the month their patrols were skirmishing with the Japanese. The 2/2nd remained in New Guinea until October 1944. After 90 days leave, the squadron reformed at Strathpine in Queensland before sailing to New Britain in April 1945. The 2/2nd landed at Jacquinot Bay on 17 April. The squadron then moved to Wide Bay, in order to support the 13th Brigade of the 5th Division, and was based at Lamarien. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or transferred to other units. For those who were left, they returned to Australia and in early 1946 the 2/2nd Commando Squadron was disbanded. Includes Nominal Roll Soft Cover without Dust Jacket – 270 pages -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, My War: An Australian Commando in New Guinea and Borneo 1943 to 1945
Brian Walpole, the author, was a Australian Commando and special operations operative behind enemy lines in New Guinea and Borneo during WW2. Brian was a commando with the Australian 2/3 Independent Company. He went to New Guinea in January 1943 and remained until the fall of the Japanese base at Salamaua in September. He fought on the Bobdubi Ridge. His commanding officer was the well-regarded George Warfe, whose portrait was sketched by war artist Ivor Hele. Brian blazed a trail through the New Guinea jungle which appears on some maps as Walpole’s Track, discovering and naming the ambush site Goodview Junction. Soon afterwards (July 1943) Goodview Junction was the scene of a key campaign victory which contributed to George Warfe being awarded the Military Cross.Brian’s Special Operations training mostly took place at Careening Bay (Western Australia) and Fraser Island (Queensland). He arrived in Borneo at the time of the 9th Division’s landing at Labuan Island, and took part in two SRD operations – Colt and Semut 3. After the surrender, Walpole's work continued as many of the Japanese did not recognise the surrender and continued to fight on. Brian relates how on the 14th of September 1945 while still an operative in SRD he was able to save POWs from certain death and after a firefight arrested 10 Japanese soldiers at Simanggang Borneo. He was alone and had been assisted in the battle by 20 headhunters from the jungles along the Rejang River. One of the people saved was a young nurse in her 20s, Lena Ricketts. ww2, australian special operations, australian commando, new guinea, borneo, world war ii -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, The Private War of the Spotters: A history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company, February 1942-April 1945
... of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda ...The history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.gray plasticnon-fictionThe history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.world war ii, special operations, new guinea, new guinea air warning wireless company -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Commando White Diamond: Unt History of the 2/8th Australian Commando Squadron, 1996
The detailed history of the No.8 Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective cover over the book. The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, in July 1942 and travelled to Yandina, in Queensland, in September. While the other seven independent companies saw action in the islands off Australian and in New Guinea, the 2/8th spent most of the next two years based at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. While it was in the Territory, the independent companies underwent a series of reorganisations and the name of the 2/8th was changed from the 2/8th Independent Company to the 2/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. In July 1944, after years of waiting, the squadron left the Territory and sailed from Townsville to Lae, via Milne Bay. While at Lae, the squadron received an intake of 70 men from the 2/8th from the 2/3rd, 2/5th and 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Squadrons, many of whom were veterans of the earlier New Guinea campaigns. Their experience was no doubt a useful reserve that would have been called upon during the 2/8th’s subsequent campaign in Bougainville. Others though, were able to implement some of their commando training when a small group from the 2/8th they made a secret landing on New Britain. Towards the end of the 1944 the 5th Division was preparing to make a landing at Jacquinot Bay in New Britain. Part of these preparations included landing a small group of officers from the division at Jacquinot Bay to make a secret reconnaissance of the potential landing site. As Jacquinot Bay was still in Japanese controlled territory, ‘C’ Troop from the 2/8th provided the protection for the reconnaissance party by establishing a position on the beach and by patrolling the surrounding country. Everything went well and the 5th Division later landed at Jacquinot Bay in November. The squadron too was on the move, and in October it sailed to Torokina, the main Australian base on Bougainville, where it joined the II Australian Corps. The campaign on Bougainville was dived into three areas, the Central, Northern and Southern Sectors. The 2/8th served in the latter two areas. The 2/8th made the first move of the Australian campaign in the Northern Sector, by patrolling from Torokina to Kuraio Mission and Amun once a week. The squadron did this from the second week of November unit the second week of December. The 2/8th was then transferred to the Southern Sector. The main battle for Bougainville was fought in the Southern Sector, as the 3rd Division advanced towards Buin – the main Japanese base on the island. As the division’s infantry brigades advanced along the coast, the 2/8th’s task was to protect their flank by conducting forward reconnaissance patrols, harassing the Japanese with raids and ambushes and conducting a form of guerrilla warfare. The squadron had a long campaign. For nine months, from the end of December until August 1945, the troopers were in action the whole time. After securing the Jaba River, they moved inland, first to Sovele Mission, then the villages of Opai, Nihero and Morokaimoro. They had reached Kilipaijino by the end of the war. Each village taken became a patrol base. Patrols were usually limited to two sections, although up to six sections could be operating at a time. Patrols generally lasted four to six days, but nine-day patrols were not unknown. The squadron collected and collated track information, terrain reports and located the enemy. Once patrols had gathered information, they were free to make a ‘strike’ against the Japanese by setting an ambush or taking a prisoner. These raids were very effective, as they forced the Japanese to deploy troops to their rear areas, removing men from the front created by the infantry. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or were transferred to other units. For those who were left, the squadron returned to Australia at the end of December. In mid January 1946, at Liverpool, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was disbanded.non-fictionThe detailed history of the No.8 Independent Commando Company during World War II. Plastic protective cover over the book. The 2/8th Independent Company was formed at Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, in July 1942 and travelled to Yandina, in Queensland, in September. While the other seven independent companies saw action in the islands off Australian and in New Guinea, the 2/8th spent most of the next two years based at Adelaide River, in the Northern Territory. While it was in the Territory, the independent companies underwent a series of reorganisations and the name of the 2/8th was changed from the 2/8th Independent Company to the 2/8th Cavalry (Commando) Squadron. This name was later simplified to just commando squadron. In July 1944, after years of waiting, the squadron left the Territory and sailed from Townsville to Lae, via Milne Bay. While at Lae, the squadron received an intake of 70 men from the 2/8th from the 2/3rd, 2/5th and 2/6th Cavalry (Commando) Squadrons, many of whom were veterans of the earlier New Guinea campaigns. Their experience was no doubt a useful reserve that would have been called upon during the 2/8th’s subsequent campaign in Bougainville. Others though, were able to implement some of their commando training when a small group from the 2/8th they made a secret landing on New Britain. Towards the end of the 1944 the 5th Division was preparing to make a landing at Jacquinot Bay in New Britain. Part of these preparations included landing a small group of officers from the division at Jacquinot Bay to make a secret reconnaissance of the potential landing site. As Jacquinot Bay was still in Japanese controlled territory, ‘C’ Troop from the 2/8th provided the protection for the reconnaissance party by establishing a position on the beach and by patrolling the surrounding country. Everything went well and the 5th Division later landed at Jacquinot Bay in November. The squadron too was on the move, and in October it sailed to Torokina, the main Australian base on Bougainville, where it joined the II Australian Corps. The campaign on Bougainville was dived into three areas, the Central, Northern and Southern Sectors. The 2/8th served in the latter two areas. The 2/8th made the first move of the Australian campaign in the Northern Sector, by patrolling from Torokina to Kuraio Mission and Amun once a week. The squadron did this from the second week of November unit the second week of December. The 2/8th was then transferred to the Southern Sector. The main battle for Bougainville was fought in the Southern Sector, as the 3rd Division advanced towards Buin – the main Japanese base on the island. As the division’s infantry brigades advanced along the coast, the 2/8th’s task was to protect their flank by conducting forward reconnaissance patrols, harassing the Japanese with raids and ambushes and conducting a form of guerrilla warfare. The squadron had a long campaign. For nine months, from the end of December until August 1945, the troopers were in action the whole time. After securing the Jaba River, they moved inland, first to Sovele Mission, then the villages of Opai, Nihero and Morokaimoro. They had reached Kilipaijino by the end of the war. Each village taken became a patrol base. Patrols were usually limited to two sections, although up to six sections could be operating at a time. Patrols generally lasted four to six days, but nine-day patrols were not unknown. The squadron collected and collated track information, terrain reports and located the enemy. Once patrols had gathered information, they were free to make a ‘strike’ against the Japanese by setting an ambush or taking a prisoner. These raids were very effective, as they forced the Japanese to deploy troops to their rear areas, removing men from the front created by the infantry. Following Japan’s surrender and the end of the war, the ranks of the squadron thinned quickly as men were discharged or were transferred to other units. For those who were left, the squadron returned to Australia at the end of December. In mid January 1946, at Liverpool, the 2/8th Commando Squadron was disbanded. -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, Keith White, Criado:
... of a section from his platoon, shortly after the Japanese landing ...This book brings to life for many Australians, the close connection between Australia and East Timor. In 1941-42, Archie Campbell was a lieutenant in the 'Sparrow Force' the 300 men of the 2/2nd Independent Company in a 14-month campaign of ambushes and hit-and-run tactics which effectively pinned down more than 15,000 Japanese troops in East Timor. This book recounts the bloodless Australian landing in Portuguese East Timor, military actions against the Japanese, and eventual evacuation to Darwin. Central to Campbell's experience is the ambush and execution of a section from his platoon, shortly after the Japanese landing in Dili. In 1973, Archie returned to East Timor to meet Barana, the East Timorese man who, as a 12-year-old boy, helped and protected him during the campaign. Each Timorese boy who helped a commando and guarded him while he slept, was called that commando's Criado. Ken White accompanied Archie in the 1973 journey to East Timor to find Barana. He has used excerpts from Archie's own diary to tell the heart-warming story of their first meeting after 30 years. Historical background on the centuries of Portuguese rule, the Japanese occupation and the more recent Indonnon-fictionThis book brings to life for many Australians, the close connection between Australia and East Timor. In 1941-42, Archie Campbell was a lieutenant in the 'Sparrow Force' the 300 men of the 2/2nd Independent Company in a 14-month campaign of ambushes and hit-and-run tactics which effectively pinned down more than 15,000 Japanese troops in East Timor. This book recounts the bloodless Australian landing in Portuguese East Timor, military actions against the Japanese, and eventual evacuation to Darwin. Central to Campbell's experience is the ambush and execution of a section from his platoon, shortly after the Japanese landing in Dili. In 1973, Archie returned to East Timor to meet Barana, the East Timorese man who, as a 12-year-old boy, helped and protected him during the campaign. Each Timorese boy who helped a commando and guarded him while he slept, was called that commando's Criado. Ken White accompanied Archie in the 1973 journey to East Timor to find Barana. He has used excerpts from Archie's own diary to tell the heart-warming story of their first meeting after 30 years. Historical background on the centuries of Portuguese rule, the Japanese occupation and the more recent Indonworld war ii, independent companies, australian commando, timor -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Magazine - AILEEN AND JOHN ELLISON COLLECTION: PIX, THE WAR IN EUROPE SOUVENIR ISSUE 1945
Pix magazine volume 15 no. 19 May 12, 1945. The war in Europe souvenir issue. The magazine has 31 pages, price 6 pennies. Features in this issue: Britain faced Hitler alone in 1940 - Many races united against common enemy - Allied leaders' words inspired their nations - Color maps reveal changing face of Europe - Picture diary shows five year pattern of war - Jardine paints second front landing in colors - Rise and fall of fascism - Women shared role in fight for freedom - Danger of armistice in Europe - War closes in on Japan, Pacific color map - Proud records of Australia's fighting men - Four great powers shared burden of struggle - World found time too laugh at war - Famous pictures epitomised war's tragedy.books, magazines, war in europe -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Allen & Unwin, The guns of Muschu, 2006
During the night of 11 April 1945, eight Australian Z Special commandos landed on Japanese-held Muschu Island, off the coast of New Guinea. Their mission was to reconnoitre the island's defences and confirm the location of two concealed naval guns that commanded the approaches to Wewak Harbour. But the secret mission went horribly wrong. Unknown to them, their presence had been discovered within hours of their landing. With no means of escape, the island became a killing ground. Nine days later, on the New Guinea mainland, the only survivor staggered back through the Japanese lines to safety... This is the remarkable true story of that survivor.Maps, p.255.non-fictionDuring the night of 11 April 1945, eight Australian Z Special commandos landed on Japanese-held Muschu Island, off the coast of New Guinea. Their mission was to reconnoitre the island's defences and confirm the location of two concealed naval guns that commanded the approaches to Wewak Harbour. But the secret mission went horribly wrong. Unknown to them, their presence had been discovered within hours of their landing. With no means of escape, the island became a killing ground. Nine days later, on the New Guinea mainland, the only survivor staggered back through the Japanese lines to safety... This is the remarkable true story of that survivor. world war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – papua new guinea, world war 1939 – 1945 – personal narratives – australia -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Photo and Medals, Private J L Parker
Photograph and medals belonging to Private John Leonard PARKER VX56265 2/23 Battalion AIF Killed in Action on 24/11/1943 during WW2. Buried at Lae cemetery in New Guinea. The 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in August 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The battalion did its initial training in Albury before moving to Bonegilla, Victoria, before sailing for the Middle East in November. The 2/23rd left Alamein on 2 December and headed back to Gaza in Palestine, where it participated in the 9th Division parade on 22 December. The battalion left Palestine in the third week of January 1943 and reached Sydney at the end of February. Reorganised for jungle operations, on 4 September the 2/23rd participated in the division's amphibious landing at Red Beach, north west of Lae. Shortly before the landing occurred, the invasion fleet was attacked by six Japanese fighters and three bombers. Most of the Japanese bombs missed the Allied ships but one bomb hit the landing craft carrying the 2/23rd headquarters - killing the battalion commander and the ship's captain. The landing craft, however, made it to shore and the 2/23rd participated in the subsequent fighting around Lae, Finschhafen, and Sattelberg. After Sattelberg, the 2/23rd continued to move inland, capturing Masangkoo, Kuanko, and finally on 9 December, Wareo. Brown timber frame with dark blue background containing photograph of soldier, three round and three star shaped medals and document with coloured crest."This scroll commemorates Private J. L Parker Australian Military Forces held in honour as one who served King and Country in the world war of 1939-1945 and gave his life to save mankind from tyranny. May his sacrifice help to bring the peace and freedom for which he died."private john leonoard parker, 2/23rd battalion, ww2, new guinea -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
The Battle of Tarakan was the first stage in the Borneo campaign of 1945. It began with an amphibious landing by Australian forces on 1 May, code-named Operation Oboe One. While the battle ended with success for the Allied forces over the Japanese defenders, this victory is generally regarded as having not justified its costs. 225 Australian soldiers of the 26th Brigade, 9th Division, 2nd Australian Imperial Force were once buried here. They were killed in the Battle of Tarakan (1 May - 21 June 1945) or died due to their wounds until 15 August 1945.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of a monument/cenotaph and lawn grave sites with white crosses.Handwritten on rear - Tarakan Cemetery2/24th battalion, wangaratta, tarakan -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
September 30,1945 - The official dedication service and unveiling of the Cenotaph at Tarakan War Cemetery The Battle of Tarakan was the first stage in the Borneo campaign of 1945. It began with an amphibious landing by Australian forces on 1 May, code-named Operation Oboe One. While the battle ended with success for the Allied forces over the Japanese defenders, this victory is generally regarded as having not justified its costs. 225 Australian soldiers of the 26th Brigade, 9th Division, 2nd Australian Imperial Force were once buried here. They were killed in the Battle of Tarakan (1 May - 21 June 1945) or died due to their wounds until 15 August 1945.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of monument/cenotaph and catafalque party2/24th battalion, tarakan, cenotaph -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, c1945
Prior to the Second World War Tarakan Island was part of the Dutch East Indies and an important oil-producing centre. In early 1942 it was occupied by the Japanese. The primary objective for the Allied attack on Tarakan (code-named "Oboe One") was to secure and develop the island's airstrip so that it could be used to provide air cover for subsequent landings in Brunei, Labuan and Balikpapan. The secondary objective for the operation was to secure Tarakan's oilfields and bring them into operation as a source of oil for the Allied forces. As part of the 26th Brigade the 2/24 Battalion landed at Tarakan on May1 1945. The task of capturing Tarakan's airstrip was assigned to the 2/24th Battalion. The Battalion's initial attack on the airstrip on the night of 2 May was delayed when the Japanese set off large explosive charges, and the airstrip was not secured until 5 MayThe 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of metal pylon structures with man standing in bombed foreground Handwritten on rear - Oil wells on Tarakan2/24th battalion, tarakan, ww2 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Medal, Philippine Liberation, c1995
The Philippine Liberation Medal is intended to recognize military service during the last eleven months of World War II when the military of Japan was driven from the Philippines before their surrender in September 1945. Robert Hamilton Hutchieson PM 4802 served on HMAS Westralia as a landing craft coxswain in the Southwest Pacific Campaign 1942 to 1945. The Australian Army played virtually no part in the Philippines. However, units from the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy, were involved.The ships that delivered American troops included three Australian landing ships, HMA Ships Kanimbla, Manoora and Westralia. In 1995, fifty years after the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation, the Republic of the Philippines announced the awarding of a Philippines Liberation Medal to Allied veterans who served in the country or its territorial waters during 1944-45. More than 3000 Australians have received this medalGold with white enamel irregular shaped medal attached to orange ribbon with central thin blue and white stripe. Liberty (front) For The Liberation of The Philippines (back)philippine liberation medal, ww2, robert hutchieson -
Clayton RSL Sub Branch
Memorabilia - WWII Ribbon, cc1945
Phillippine To be awarded the Philippine Liberation Medal, a service member must have participated in at least one of the following actions:[2][3][4] Participation in the initial landing operation of Leyte and adjoining islands from 17 October to 20 October 1944. An individual is considered to have participated in such operations if he landed on Leyte or adjoining islands, was on a ship in Philippine waters, or was a crewmember of an airplane, which flew over Philippine territory during the period. Participation in any engagement against hostile Japanese forces on Leyte and adjoining islands during the Philippine Liberation Campaign of 17 October 1944, to 2 September 1945. Participation in any engagement against hostile Japanese forces on islands other than those mentioned above during the Philippine Liberation Campaign of 17 October 1944, to 2 September 1945. Served in the Philippine Islands or on ships in Philippine waters for not less than 30 days during the period.Purple Heart medals were awarded for soldiers injured or killed in WW2Medal Ribbon Noneworld war two, ww2, usa, usa ww2, ribbon, philippine liberation medal, occupation medal, purple heart -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Photograph - Flame Warfare Training
The 8th Light Horse Regiment AIF was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in September 1914 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander White and formed part of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade. The regiment served at Gallipoli where in a courageous but ill-fated charge at the Nek on 7 August 1915 it suffered horrendous casualties including Lieutenant Colonel White. Rebuilt in Egypt under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Maygar VC the regiment went on the serve throughout the Middle East Campaign. Colonel Maygar died of wounds at Beersheba when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft while waiting to follow up the successful charge of the 4th LH Brigade on 30 October 1917. The 8th Light Horse AIF was disbanded in 1919, but soon after re-raised as the 8th (Indi) Light Horse in the Citizen Military Forces, superseding 16th (Indi) Light Horse. It had its headquarters at Benalla with sub-units throughout the Upper Murray and Northeast Victoria. In December 1941, the regiment converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 8th Reconnaissance Battalion then in July 1942 it became 8th Cavalry Regiment and served in Northern Territory. As Japanese threat to the mainland declined the regiment was disbanded and men transferred to a variety of other units. A small number were trained in the use of Flame thrower equipment in preparation for service in the landings at Balikpapan and Tarakan .Black and white photograph of 12 soldiers dressed in khaki drill uniforms and wearing slouch hats and peak caps posed with two flame thrower devices. LHQ Flame Warfare Training Team. Taken at Ravenshoe Atherton Tablelands QLD. Includes Sgt George Wiltshire and seven sgts all with service through 8th Light Horse Regiment, 8 Recce Bn, and finally 8 Cav Regt A.I.F.military, 8 light horse, flame thrower, flame warfare, wwii, world war two -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - ARTHUR GEORGE HOLLEY PHOTOGRAPHIC ALBUM, 10 Photographs HMAS Hobart 1942 Coral Sea and Solomons
Items in the collection relating to ARTHUR GEORGE HOLLEY no 13556 RAN Refer cat no 2134 for his service record. The photographs are from his personal album, and are mainly official photographs widely available among the services. The photographs are from Australian , British and American sources. This set coincides with the Hobart's service around the time of the Battle of the Coral Sea, and her involvement in the Solomons and Guadalcanal landings. Whilst not taken personally, these photographs do capture some of the events Holley and his Hobart crewmates would have experienced and witnessed.Each description is preceded by an approximate date e.g.1940 06 is June 1940. 1. 1942 05 Coral Sea Japanese aircraft under AA fire.jpg 2. 1942 05 Coral Sea Japanese bombers aircraft under AA fire.jpg 3. 1942 08 HMAS Australia near miss caption three down in that bunch we missed a few.jpg 4. 1942 08 Solomon Islands Hobart white ensign battle flag flying at main mast.jpg 5. 1942 08 Solomons caption a few seconds later another one down this one goes to transports.jpg 6. 1942 08 Solomons caption peaceful and placid waters fury above.jpg 7. 1942 08 Solomons USS Astoria shoots down first high level bomber.jpg 8. 1942 08 Transport on fire off Guadalcanal 9. 1942 08 Solomons American destroyers open up on shore targets.jpg 10. 1942 08 Solomons caption Hobart alters course bombs fall in wake.jpghmas hobart, arthur george holley ran, pacific theatre, battle of the coral sea, solomons campaign -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - ARTHUR GEORGE HOLLEY PHOTOGRAPHIC ALBUM, 9 Photographs HMAS Hobart 1942 Solomons and Guadalcanal
Items in the collection relating to ARTHUR GEORGE HOLLEY no 13556 RAN Refer cat no 2134 for his service record. The photographs are from his personal album, and are mainly official photographs widely available among the services. The photographs are from Australian , British and American sources. This set coincides with the Hobart's involvement in the Solomons and Guadalcanal landings. Whilst not taken personally, these photographs do capture some of the events Holley and his Hobart crewmates would have experienced and witnessed.Each description is preceded by an approximate date e.g.1940 06 is June 1940. 1. 1942 08 Solomons Invasion on.jpg 2. 1942 08 Solomons Invasion started barges headed for shore.jpg 3. 1942 08 Solomons Japanese Shokaku class aircraft carrier under attack 1942.jpg 4. 1942 08 Solomons US Marines off southward to clash with Japs Guadalcanal.jpg 5. 1942 08 Solomons USS Mugford delivering mail to Australia in Coral Sea.jpg 6. 1942 08 Solomons USS Mugford.jpg 7. 1942 08 Solomons USS Pope.jpg 8. 1942 08 Solomons USS Vincennes bombards and silences shore batteries.jpg 9. 1942 08 Two Japanese torpedo bombers attacking allied warships fly past a US Navy destroyer .jpg hmas hobart, arthur george holley ran, pacific theatre, solomons campaign, guadalcanal