Chert is a sedimentary rock composed of microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline quartz. While usually biological in origin, chert may also occur as a chemical precipitate or a diagenetic replacement--the product of petrified trees. Chert, also known as flint, was a common tool for early peoples during the stone age. It forms in limestone and chalk sediments as silicon dioxide microcrystals which grow into nodules of chert. Chert is found in many mines across the Northern Territory, however this specimen is sourced from the Mount Todd gold mine in Katherine. Its use in weaponry, both during the Stone Age and during the 18th century. Chert produces a spark when struck against steel, meaning t hat it can be used to start fires and fire guns. Chert was thus used in flintlock firearms, in which the gunpowder is ignited by a flint hammer striking a steel plate. Chert was commonly used in the Stone Age as a result of conchoidal fracturing causing very sharp edges, allowing early peoples to fashion weapons and cutting tools. It also rates a 7 on the Mohs Scale, making it a very hard and durable stone that maintains its sharpness. As a result, the significance of chert as a signifier of early indigenous Australian life makes this specimen important. It is also known that chert is a valuable mineral that was used as a trading commodity. Chert has also been valuable during the 1700s, proving itself to a be an important historical specimen in matters of war. A solid silicon dioxide mineral in shades of brown, white, and beigeburke museum, northern territory, chert, flint, minerals, geological specimen, katherine, mount todd gold mine, katherine northern territory

Drawing done on location by Francis John 'Curly' Papworth whilst serving in Katherine, Northern Territory during World War Two. This work of soldiers is significant as a work produced by a serving soldier on location during WWII and is a unique example of an artistic work showing the men and their surroundings at the time. Strong provenance as part of the family collection. Pencil sketch on white paper of three bare chested male figures, two left profile and one rear view. All attired in shorts and boots. Information relating to the figures and location are written on the work. Signature right hand corner: Papworth 42. Written in pencil at top of page: Some Independent Attitudes/Katherine N.T. 1942, June/July Working in the Q Store. Beneath each figure written in pencil and ink left to right: Figure 1: Maj Percy Black Adamsom Esq. (in blue ink below: Perc Adamson Dec) Figure 2: Reg Moggins, working on his Birthday too! (in blue ink below: ?) Figure 3: You can't mistake this one either! (in blue ink below: Con Nugent, Dec)soldiers, wwii, world war 2, second world war, artists, wartime, francis john papworth

Paddy FORDHAM WAINBURRANGA (c1930-2006) (Katherine, Northern Territory)Framed lithograph where artist Paddy Fordham Wainburranga has depicted 'Bolung', the Rainbow Serpent, an important life giving figure for the Rembarrnga people whose clan country lies to the south and west of Ramingining, towards the Katherine area. Donated through the Australian Gifts Programme by Katherine Littlewood.bolung, rainbow serpent, rembarrnga, paddy fordham wainburranga, paddy fordham, wainburranga, artist, artworks, aboriginal

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Allan Elvish with his daughters. Allan started with Victoria Railways cleaning at Benalla on 3 December 1937. He passed his Driver qualification at Wodonga in 1948. He retired on 8th October 1971. Allan was AFULE Branch Secretary from 1951 until 1971. He was stationed at Katherine, Northern Territory as a Fireman from 1943 to 1944.railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, allan elvish

Paddy FORDHAM WAINBURRANGA (1932-2006) (Katherine, Northern Territory) This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed limited edition lithograph showing a woman with a rabbit like head. Donated through the Australian Gifts Programme by Katherine Littlewood.paddy fordham wainburranga, paddy fordham, aboriginal, printmaking, artist, artworks, available

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of three soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR using a whip antenna to establish communication with their base while on patrol during exercise ' Northern Explorer.'

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Lance Corporal R. Van De Velde, ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR during Exercise ' Northern Explorer' September 1988. LCpl Van De Velde has a collection of Pandamus Palm nut prematurely ripened by fire near King River Northern Territory.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of jaggered basalt rock covering most of high country SSW of Tindal RAAF Base, Northern Territory. Photo was taken to illustrate reports of patrols during Exercise " Northern Explorer" September 1988.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Two colour photographs of sink holes/rock depressions cbserved while on patrol during Exercise " Northern Explorer. These features offered the only shade when temperature was 41oC.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of Captain C. Carrington, earing hat, and Sergeant Koschel of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR during Exercise " Northern Explorer." Flood debris caught high in tree branches indicate water level during wet season on Ferguson River, Northern Territory.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of Captain C. Carrington sheltering from 41o sun during Exercise " Northern Explorer."

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of Lance Corporal R. Van. De Velde picking native figs on bank of Ferguson River, Northern Territory during Exercise "Northern Explorer." Soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR had received instruction of bush food by Major Les Hiddens aka ' The Bush Tucker Man. '100 mm x 100 mm

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of four members of a vehicle patrol of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR at Ferguson River, Northern Territory, during Exercise 'Northern Explorer."

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of vehicle patrol of ' A " Squadron 8/13 VMR accessing the viability of a crossing point of Ferguson River during Exercise ' Northern Explorer. The patrol decided the Armoured Personnel carrier could descend the shale bank but not climb out again.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Colour photograph of two soldiers of ' A ' Squadron 8/13 VMR during Exercise ' Northern Explorer '. Trooper Pratt and Lance Corporal Van De Valde demonstrate how the F2 radio set could be carried. In addition the men would have webbing, pack and rifle to carry.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Rare example of a patrol report conducted by soldiers of a Victorian Army Reserve regiment while exercising in Northern Territory.Report of reconnaissance patrol conducted by soldiers of 'A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles during Exercise 'Northern Explorer, Northern Territory. 13 pages plus sketch map.

In 1988, as part of a Defence of Mainland Australian policy, defence of facilities of strategic importance in northern Australia were allocated to Army Reserve units. ‘A’ Squadron was allocated the defence of Tindal Air Force base located 15 KM outside Katherine in Northern Territory. Consequently the Squadron deployed on Exercise ‘Northern Explorer’ to gain first-hand knowledge of operating conditions for mounted and dismounted patrolling in the area.Rare patrol report made by soldiers of a Victorian regiment while on exercise in Northern Territory.Report of patrol carried out by soldiers of 'A' Squadron 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles 18 September 1988 near Tindal Air Base Northern Territory. Six pages plus sketch map.military, patrol, tindal, northern territory, vmr

2/1st North Australia Observer Unit 1942-1945 The Nackeroos - During the second World War the 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit guarded Northern Australia against Japanese incursions. The unit established positions in remote areas and carried out patrols on foot and horseback, reporting back by wireless.The unit was barely 550 strong, and with their headquarters in Katherine, in the Northern Territory, they were given the task of patrolling northern Australia to look for signs of enemy activity. The men made use of the knowledge of local Aboriginals and maintained coast watching outposts. As the threat of invasion passed, the unit was reduced in strength and disbanded in March 1945. A similar role is now carried out by the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) Black plastic frame containing a dedication on black background with red and green joined square symbol 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit 1942-1945 The Nackeroos In memory of those who served Dedicated on 27 August 20082/1st north australia observer unit, the nackeroos

Darwin was bombed by Japanese fighter bombers from Feb 1942 until Nov 1943. On 19 February 1942 Darwin itself was bombed. Japanese fighters and bombers attacked the port and shipping in the harbour twice during the day, killing 252 Allied service personnel and civilians. On 3 March Broome, in Western Australia, was strafed. In succeeding months air attacks were made on many towns in northern Australia including Wyndham, Port Hedland and Derby in Western Australia, Darwin and Katherine in the Northern Territory, Townsville and Mossman in Queensland, and Horn Island in the Torres Strait. Despite popular fears these raids were not the precursor to an invasion but they did serve to interrupt the use of Darwin's port facilities. The raids also tied up anti aircraft defences and air force units that would have otherwise been sent to more forward areas. The Bombing of Darwin www.awm.gov.auFolded metal to cover a match box top and bottom and one side. Would leave one side of the box exposed to strike a match. Lettering on top and bottom created by letter punchFront: Zero Mitsubishi Fighter Shot down over Darwin 19/2/1942 Back: From Frank to Dad.ww2, souvenir, darwin

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

This is a set of 10 photographs of surveyors and support staff in the field undertaking duties in the Northern Territory and North Queensland in 1959 – 1960. The surveyors were employed in the establishment of mapping and geodetic control. In this era surveyors used theodolites to observe horizontal and vertical angles and tellurometers to measure base line distances between survey stations. Laplace survey observations seen in Photo .1P was a series of precise observations carried out at geodetic survey stations to determine astronomic latitudes, longitudes and azimuths to achieve maximum precision in the survey network. Laplace observations were necessary in a geodetic network at every 6th survey station, however the National Mapping Council specified at this time the spacing would be ideally between 4-6 survey stations. The cairn shown in photo .4P was built by RASvy as a landmark over a trigonometric survey station. It was dismantled in 1960 to enable re-occupation and survey observations. It was not restored to the condition shown in the photo.This is a set of 10 photographs of surveyors and support staff in the field undertaking duties in the Northern Territory (NT) and Queensland (QLD) in 1959 – 1960. The photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi. .1) - Photo, colour, 1959. Tony Slattery occupying a Laplace survey station on a hill in the Mount Young area of the NT. .2) - Photo, colour, 1959. Surveyors’ camp in the Mount Young area of the NT, L to R: Spencer Snow and Tony Slattery. .3) - Photo, colour, 1959. Surveyors’ camp in the Peckman Hill area, near Katherine in the NT. .4) - Photo, colour, 1959. Cairn on Trig Hill, Borroloola, NT. Built by Spencer Snow, Tom Royle and Jack McCabe. .5) - Photo, colour, 1959. Survey party taking a break next to their Austin Champ vehicle, in transit between Katherine, NT and Wyndam WA. L to R: Tony Slattery, Dave Owens, John Van De Graff. .6) - Photo, colour, 1960. Surveyors’ camp between Mount Isa, QLD and Borroloola, NT. L to R: Pat Cox and John Van De Graff prepare their meal on an open fire. .7) - Photo, colour, 1960. Surveyor - Dennis Woods undertaking survey observations, using MRA1 tellurometer to measure base-line distances NW of Mount Isa, QLD. .8) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified surveyors assessing recovery of their stalled Studebaker truck vehicle after attempting a water crossing in the NT. .9) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified surveyor making batches of bread at a camp in the NT. Seen in the photo placing a lid with hot coals onto the camp oven. .10) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified survey party occupying a survey station on a hill in the Mount near the Lawn Hill area, NW of Mount Isa, QLD. A MRA1 tellurometer to measure base-line distances appear on the right side of the photo. .9) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified surveyors assessing recovery of their stalled Studebaker truck vehicle after attempting a water crossing in the NT. .10) - Photo, colour, 1960. Unidentified surveyor making batches of bread at a camp in the NT. Seen in the photo placing a lid with hot coals onto the camp oven. .1P to .10P annotated on back – personnel names, the year and the location. royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, asr, army svy regt, fortuna, surveying

Newspaper Clipping from "The Post", Tuesday May 19 1998. P 31 A group of students from Norwood Secondary College, during a visit to the Northern Territory organised a sponsored climb of Ayers Rock. They managed to raise $620 and donated it to their peers at Katherine High School, which was damaged during recent floods

Rev. Henry Griffiths was Director of Methodist Inland Missions. He was station at Katherine originally, as a patrolling unit of the Methodist Mission.Gloss, black and white, head and shoulders, studio portrait of Rev. Henry Griffiths.northern territory, inland mission, methodist, griffiths, henry

The Rev. Henry Griffiths was Director of the Methodist Inland Mission. He was stationed at Katherine, originally, as a patrolling unit of the Methodist Mission.Gloss, black and white, head and shoulders photograph of Mrs. Dorothy Griffiths, wife of Rev. Henry Griffiths.northern territory, inland mission, methodist, griffiths, dorothy, griffiths, henry

ll, p.259.non-fictionStory of aerial medical work in Northern Territory Base Hospital at Katherine; Aborigines as patients - reactions towards white mans medicine - leprosy; Aborigines among N.T. population - house workers - guides - stockmen. royal flying doctor service, medical services - northern territory