This item is from a collection donated by descendants of John Francis Turner of Wodonga. Mr Turner was born on 6 June 1885. He completed all of his schooling at Scots Boarding School in Albury, New South Wales. On leaving school, he was employed at Dalgety’s, Albury as an auctioneer. In 1924 John was promoted to Manager of the Wodonga Branch of Dalgety’s. On 15/03/1900 he married Beatrice Neal (born 7/12/1887 and died 7/2/1953) from Collingwood, Victoria. They had four daughters – Frances (Nancy), Heather, Jessie and Mary. In 1920, the family moved from Albury to Wodonga, purchasing their family home “Locherbie” at 169 High Street, Wodonga. "Locherbie" still stands in Wodonga in 2022. The collection contains items used by the Turner family during their life in Wodonga. Westminster Fine China Australia started in the Melbourne suburb of Cheltenham at 7 Arnold Street, in 1954 by Stanley Rogers and Son Ltd. They initially used imported blanks from Japan, which were made to their specifications, and which were then decorated locally. They produced a standard range of shapes for souvenir ware, later expanding into a wide range of tea sets, dinnerware and many other styles of china ware. The Abbey mark, based on Westminster Abbey in London, was used from the start of production until about 1962.The Hume Weir was constructed in the late 1920s and was a critical state in the development of water management in the Murray Darling Basin. At the time of its construction it was the largest water reservoir in the British Empire. Small bowl with gold trim printed with an image of the Hume Weir, Albury. The trademark of Westminster Fine China Australia is on the under side of the plate.On front beneath image "Hume Weir, Albury" Underneath the plate, surrounding an image of Westminster Abbey "FINE CHINA/WESTMINSTER CHINA /AUSTRALIA" souvenirs, westminster china, hume weir australia, memorabilia albury

non-fiction A collection of 76 photographs of Albury people, places and memorable events,albury, historical events albury, albury memorabilia

Part of the Cooper Collection. See Cat No. 9586.2 for details of service for "Keith Cooper" No. 3798359. Black ceramic crock with loop handle. original cork in place. Gold logo and lettering on front. Makers details in gold lettering on reverse side.In gold on label: 'RAEME insignia'. In gold lettering on front: 'RAEME, CORPS DINNER, COMMEMORATIVE PORT'.cooper collection, keith cooper, memorabilia, raeme

"A time for action" Rotary International District 279 conference at Albury, March 29-31, 1974 hosted by Rotary Club of Albury North.Bruce Morgan was the first Shire Secretary (1964-1983) of the Shire of Diamond Valley. This collection was compiled by his wife, Mavis Morgan, detailing the events they attended in their official capacity.32 p., black and white illustrationsbruce morgan, mavis morgan, rotary international

Booklet containing itinerary, general information and list of delegates. Hosted by Rotary Club of Heidelberg. Greensborough Rotary delegates include Bruce Morgan, Kevin Gillespie, Keith Head, Bob Manuel, Tom Skals and Tom Vickers.Bruce Morgan was the first Shire Secretary (1964-1983) of the Shire of Diamond Valley. This collection was compiled by his wife, Mavis Morgan, detailing the events they attended in their official capacity38 page Booklet with blue cover with white and gold text & gold logo, inside blue text, blue logo and photos and images.bruce morgan, mavis morgan, rotary international

White china commemorative plate with blue lettering and symbols. 4th Australian Independent Company -Albury Reunion 2001 60th anniversary 1941-2001

The Bendigo Advertiser was first published in 1853. The Bendigo Independent was founded in 1866. In November 1918 the papers amalgamated and continued under The Bendigo Advertiser banner. The Bendigo Advertiser currently delivers news as a printed newspaper, digital paper and on its website and social media. The paper changed from broadsheet to Tabloid in 1998.A4 size internal memorandum on white paper, purple print heading- Bendigo Advertiser, blue signature at the bottom. B Baskett. MEMORANDUM To Mike Robson, Managing Director. Jack Dent, Executive Director (Finance). Rick Neville General Manager. From Bruce Baskett, General Manager. October 9, 1995. Naturally we are a bit over the moon after winning the Meacham Award. Believe me, it is a very highly prized award among the regional dailies. It has never been won by a Victorian paper before. There are more comments about winning the award with B. Baskett signature. Stapled to it is a cutting from the Albury Border Mail and a cutting from the Bendigo Advertiser referring to the award. A similar memorandum From Mr. Bruce Baskett General Manager to Mr. Mike Robson Managing Director INL, August 26, 1996, referring to the Bendigo Advertiser winning the award in 1996 is included.the bendigo advertiser, meacham award 1995, meacham award 1996

Brown vinyl wallet containing various papers including identity card, receipt for 60 pounds deposit for 1929 Dodge dated 23/12/1947, Ministry of Food vouchers, postcard, newspaper cutting, black and white photograph of two young boys with a bicycle - handwritten on rear from Mrs T A Karnatz Tawonga Roadside Wodonga Victoria Australia to Private Thomas Karnatz Prisoner of War No 139745 ARB KDO 7001 Stalag 11B Germany. Item belonged to Thomas Allan Karnatz VX 48290 2/24 Battalion - born 16/7/1916. Enlisted Albury 22/7/1940 - Caulfield 8/8/1940 aged 24 years 17/10/1940 posted from 2/23 to 2/24 Battalion. Embarked 16/11/1940 and disembarked Middle East 17/12/1940. Reported missing in action on 6/5/1941 and officially prisoner of war on 8/7/1941. 26/4/1945 arrived UK recovered POWBrown vinyl wallet containing assorted military and personal papersInside printed in gold lettering - Good wishes from the Australian Red Cross Societyww2, pow, 2/24 battalion, t a karnatz, tobruk

596-1- Flinders Street Station dominates as new electric trams run in Swanston Street while cable cars continue the Flinders Street to Richmond service 596-2- W class tram 451 decorated and illuminated for the 1927 visit of the Duke and Duchess of York 596-3- The Spirt of Progress introduced in 1937 paces a Tiger Moth on the Albury line 596-4- New double decker buses introduced to replace cable trams in 1940 are pictures at North Fitzroy Depot 596-5- VR The Spirit out of Albury 1947transport

Unopened black jug with gold lettering 'Freedom of the City of Albury' 25th Anniversary of Long Tan. Insignai on Jug is of the Murray border Vietnam Veterans. 1962 to 1973Freedom of the City of Albury 16-18 August 1991. 1962-1973 25th Anniversary 'Battle of Long Tan'commemorative jug, long tan, freedom of the city albury, 25th anniversary of long tan

Medallion was issued to Miss Edna Huf of Albury, sister of No 533 Sergeant Carl Wilhelm Huf, 7th Battalion AIF who died at sea on HMT "Royal George" on 13 May 1915 of wounds received at Gallipoli and buried in Chatly Cemetery Egypt. Huf was aged 20. Miss Edna Huf donated the medallion together with other items to 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Collection prior to her death at Albury.Part of a collection of items relating to the service and death of a single Australian soldier in WWI which was kept by his sister and passed to a local military collection for keeping shortly before her death in Albury.Bronze medallion featuring Simpson and donkey on obverse and map of Australia and New Zealand on reverse. Issued in 1967 to surviving persons who had served at Gallipoli and NOK of deceased servicemen. Inscribed on lower portion of reverse "CW Huf"huf, gallipoli, anzac commemorative medalion, anzac day, wwi, world war one, anniversaries, medals, numismatics, donkeys, simpson

German gas mask brought back from Western Front as a souvenir by a member of 13th Battery AFA (Albury Battery) and included in a collection of memorabilia donated to the 8/13th VMR as the local citizen soldier force.Representative of a souvenir of the Great War brought home by a soldier from the Albury area. It is complete and in very good condition.Cylindrical metal canister with hinged lid and light fabric carry strap containing Gas Mask type GM15. Inside hinged lid are printed instructions for use of mask.gas, albury battery, german

Ryan family were prominent hoteliers in Albury. A daughter, Miss Gertie Ryan was active in fund-raising in support of Albury boys serving overseas. She was secretary of the Welcome Home committee in 1919. Driver Reginald Ryan was a 21 year old clerk at wool-broking firm Younghusband Row & Co when he enlisted.Rare example of photographic memorabilia sent home by young soldier from regional NSW town and conserved by his family.Leather bound Postcard Album with gold lettering, gold stripe edging. 100 pages of postcards and some photographs compiled by the Albury Ryan family of 7791 Driver Reginald Ryan 5th Field Artillery Brigade AIF. Includes photograph of Driver Ryan in uniform.Postcards - Ryan family collectionphotograph, post card, world war 1 (1914-18), ryan reginald 7791 driver, 13th battery aif

For residents of Northeast Victoria, railway services have provided a critical link between the area and state capital cities. CountryLink was established in January 1989 under the Transport Administration Act 1988. It was a passenger rail and road service brand that operated in regional areas of New South Wales, and to and from Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. CountryLink operated rail services a fleet of XPT and locomotive-hauled passenger trains. The Southern region of the Country Link network covered New South Wales districts of Illawarra, South Coast, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes, Southern Tablelands, Riverina and Sunraysia regions plus the Australian Capital Territory and parts of Victoria. The Government of Victoria contributed to the provision of these services. Services ran along the Main South line from Sydney Central station to Albury before continuing on the North East line to Southern Cross station in Melbourne. The Sydney/Melbourne Express ceased in November 1993 and was replaced by an XPT in November 1993 In December 1994, a daylight service to Melbourne resumed by extending the Riverina XPT from Albury. In July 2013, CountryLink was merged with the intercity services of CityRail to form NSW TrainLink.These items are connected to a major transportation system in eastern Australia.A collection of uniform items and memorabilia from the CountryLink rail service. They include a tie and tiepin, staff badge and lanyard, cups and a bag with CountryLink logo.Tag on tie: Stylecore Corporate Wear Australia/ Polyester/ Made in England On all items: CountryLinkcountrylink, australian railways, countrylink uniforms

14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A decorative transfer featuring the Rats of Tobruk Association emblem. It has been attached to a piece of cardboard.world war 11, tobruk, rats of tobruk association

A wide range of memorabilia was created to commemorate the 2/23 rd Australian Infantry Battalion. Later pieces incorporated the Tobruk unit patch which was incorporated into their uniform from 1942 until 17 February 1946 when the unit was disbanded at Puckapunyal, Victoria.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A plastic shield depicting the 2/23rd Tobruk colour patch above scroll inscribed with 2/23RD AUST INF. BN. This has been screwed onto a piece of metal. 2/23RD AUST INF. BNworld war 11, 2/23rd battalion

These items were part of standard supplies and personal items issued to members of the Australian Defence Forces during World War 2.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A metal can/bottle opener and cigarette lighter. On Opener "STOKES /MELB"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

This memorial commemorates the historic siege of Tobruk. The memorial is based on the one in the Tobruk War Cemetery, built by Royal Australian Engineers during the siege. That memorial has since been destroyed. The original marble inscription stone was brought back to Australia after the war and is incorporated in the obelisk in Canberra. The memorial was unveiled on 13 April 1983 by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Ninian StephenThis item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A group of 3 coasters produced to commemorate the unveiling of the Tobruk Memorial in Canberra on 13 April 1983. In top left "CANBERRA TOBRUK/MEMORIAL/UNVEILED 13 APRIL 1983"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A square cardboard coaster produced a memorabilia for the Rats of Tobruk Association in Victoria in 1980. The Rats of Tobruk emblem. Below the emblem "1980 REUNION VICTORIA"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. This 2/23rd Battalion Association transfer has been laminated and attached to a card. This logo became the colour patch for the unit after their service in Tobruk. Below colour patch "2/23rd BATTALION ASSOCIATION/ BOX 551D, G.P.O. MELBOURNE"world war 11, rats of tobruk, 2/23rd battalion

This cassette was taped by the Rats of Tobruk Association. ABC war correspondent Chester Wilmot (1911-1954) pioneered the use of recording equipment in the field. He spent several months in Tobruk in 1941. In October 1941 the ABC Field Unit recorded a concert put on by 400 Australian soldiers in an ammunition cave. Wilmot’s introduction sets the scene and items feature individual and chorus items and a saxophone and piano accordion performance.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A cassette of the Tobruk Concert held in 1941 in the caves behind the lines in an armament cave in Tobruk. "TOBRUK CONCERT 1941"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, chester wilmot, concert in tobruk

The image on this shield is a representation of the memorial in the middle of the Tobruk War Cemetery. Tobruk War Cemetery incorporates the burial ground used during the siege and the memorial erected there at the time by the Australians has been replaced by a permanent memorial of similar design. Many battlefield graves in the desert have been brought into the cemetery. There are now 2,282 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in Tobruk War Cemetery. 171 of the burials are unidentified but special memorials commemorate a number of casualties known or believed to be buried among them. This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A small plastic shield that depicts the Tobruk Memorial in the centre and Tobruk written across the top in gold lettering.Across the top "TOBRUK"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, tobruk memorial

This collection of commemorative items represent 3 sporting and social organisations in Wodonga, Victoria and Albury, NSW. These clubs play an important sporting and social role within these communities.The Wodonga Bowling Club was formally constituted on 9 September 1925. Percy Lingford was elected as President and Edward William Owens was elected Secretary. The Associate (Ladies) Branch of the club was constituted on 22 August with Doll Connell elected as president and May Hicks elected as secretary. The Albury Golf Club was initially formed in 1899 with President Mr. G.A. Thompson and Mr, James Stephen as Honorary Secretary. It was purchased by the Albury Commercial Club in 2004.These items have local significance as they are representative of clubs which have played an important social and sporting role in the local community.A collection of silver napkin holders and silver and gold spoons featuring insignia from Wodonga Bowling Club, Wodonga Ladies Bowling Club and Albury Golf Club. The insignia are made from enamelled plate ware.Wodonga Ladies Bowling Club Wodonga Bowling Club Albury Golf Clubalbury-wodonga sport, wodonga bowling club, albury golf club

A range of souvenirs depicting local landmarks were produced to represent and promote Wodonga and other towns throughout much of the 20th century. THE WATER TOWER is a major landmark of High Street, Wodonga. It began operation from 1924 until it ceased operation in 1959. It stood unused for a decade until the lower section was modified and put to use as “The Tower’s Cobbler’s Inn” in 1962. In 1972 Wodonga City Council proposed to demolish the Tower. Their suggestion received an unfavorable response from the city’s citizens, so the Tower still stands today. THE SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL in Wodonga was unveiled on Tuesday 18th November 1924. The soldier statue on the top has since been removed and placed in the RSL rooms, WodongaAn unopened packet containing a souvenir drink coaster representing Wodonga, Victoria. The coaster is a coloured photo of the Water Tower and Soldiers' Memorial in High Street, Wodonga.Beneath the photo "WATER TOWER, WODONGA, VICsouvenirs wodonga, water tower, memorials, woodland grove

Great celebrations took place in Albury, NSW for the celebration of the Centenary of the Hume and Hovell expedition. The Hume and Hovell journey of discovery to Port Phillip took place during 1824-1825. On November 20, 1824, they successfully crossed the Murray River not far from Albury and proceeded on a route to Port Phillip. To celebrate the Centenary of this crossing, the city of Albury held a series of activities during the week of Sunday 16th November to Saturday 22nd November 1924. As part of these celebrations the Albury Race Club held a special race meeting conducted on Thursday 20th and Saturday 22nd November 1924. This badge was produced as a memorabilia for that meeting. Prize money over the two day meeting totalled over £3,000. The star events were the Centenary Cup of I mile and 3 furlongs with a prize of £1000 (one thousand pounds) and a Gold Cup valued at one hundred guineas, donated by Mrs. Jas. Mitchell of Tabletop, and the John Campbell Handicap of one mile carrying $500 and trophy valued at 50 guineas donated by the chairman of the Club, Mr. J. Campbell. A gold whip donated by Mr. Norman Crow was presented to the jockey riding the Cup winner. This item is significant because it is an example of memorabilia produced for the centenary celebrations for the Hume and Hovell Expedition.An enamelled fob medallion featuring a central image with a tree at the top and text. The tree is the Hovell Tree at Albury. The central image is of indigenous man facing Albury’s civic buildings with the Murray River in between. The fob is attached to a blue twisted cord.1824 1924 HUME & HOVELL CENTENARY RACE MEETING 20th and 22nd Nov 1924 On back: 244B SIMPSONhume & hovell, hume & hovell centenary, albury race club

Thousands of German migrants started a new life at Bonegilla, Victoria in the 1950s. Among them were five men who met each other in Wodonga, became friends and decided to form a German Austrian Club, where they could enjoy the company of likeminded individuals. They were Kurt Mueller, Willi Klimt, Toni Krischa and Erwin Klein from Germany and Manfred Teissl from Austria. On the 16th July 1960, after advertising in the Border Morning Mail, the German Austrian Club in Wodonga was born. Office bearers were Paul Peters as President. Gerhard Ziermann as Secretary and Günter Schmehl as Treasurer. Their aim was "To promote the upkeep of the German language in written and spoken form and to promote good German fellowship, while enjoying functions of a cultural and entertaining nature". By 1963 the Club boasted 40 members, holding meetings at the RSL Clubrooms and other suitable locations before they found a house in Hovell Street, Wodonga. It was used for meetings, Skat meetings, film nights and "Sonnabendschule” or Saturday school where children of members could continue to learn German. The Committee organised a wide range of activities and functions in their small rooms but dreamed of having a bigger home. This became reality in July 1979, when the Committee purchased land from the Albury Wodonga Development Corporation at 5 McFarland Road, Wodonga. The first brick was laid on the Club's land in May 1980, and the double-storey brick building was completed within 12 months voluntarily by Club members. At the same time members supported other organisations and charities in the Wodonga and wider community. The first Oktoberfest in Wodonga was held in 1975, drawing 4,000 attendees. The event was organized to promote German culture, and the profits from the first year were donated to the Wodonga District Hospital, raising $20,000. In 2001 the German Austrian Club was presented with the Certificate of Meritorious Service by the Government of Victoria for Community Works in Wodonga and district. The Club raised $23,000 for the Wodonga Hospital, had numerous fundraisers to assist in bushfires and drought situations and was involved in the Red Cross Calling campaign for many years. After much fundraising, hard work and making their way through extensive government red tape, the Club moved to its new premises in McFarland Road on 1st August 1981. The members continued to make necessary internal adjustments and sought an alcohol licence. The building was officially opened in May 1983. The Club prospered and had 300 members, making it necessary for new applicants to be put on a waiting list to be accepted as members. Interest groups consisted of Competition Air Rifle Shooting Group, a Skat (German Card game) Group, Folk Dancing Group, Ladies Group, Table Tennis Group, Darts Group, Chess Group and the Billiard Group. In later years, as so many Australians became members, the Club’s name was changed to the German Austrian Australian Club. Over recent years patronage and interest in the Club and its activities changed. Children of the original members had become “real Aussies” and did not always want to carry on traditions. Aging membership and lack of volunteers forced the Club to disband in 2025. The Club building has been gifted to the Albury Wodonga Theatre Company.These items are significant because they are representative of an important cultural organisation which operated in Wodonga for over 60 years.Two small flags of Germany and Austria attached to metal stands with string. Each stand has a metal circular base. "Lufthansa" is inscribed on the base.On base: Lufthansagerman austrian australian club, german austrian club

Westclox brand Black Knight square metal clockScratched into body of clock places the soldier served and fought. Albury, Dimra, Tobruk, Julis, El Alamein, Tel El Gara, Syria, Palestine, Derna, Cairo, Mesa Matauh, Fort Cappuzzo.

This cushion cover was owned by Arthur Lock, a soldier in the 2/23rd Battalion. After initial training in Albury, N.S.W. and Bonegilla, Victoria, they left for overseas service. Embarking in November 1940 on the transport Strathmore at Port Melbourne, the 2/23rd arrived in Egypt in mid-December. From Egypt they were deployed to Tobruk. The battalion helped defend Tobruk for eight months, manning a series of concrete pillboxes located in a semicircle around the town, called the Red Line. In October the majority of the 9th Division, except the 2/13th Infantry Battalion, was evacuated by sea. The 2/23rd left on 18 October and sailed to Alexandria. The division was transferred to Palestine and then Syria for rest and garrison duties.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A cushion cover embroidered with the insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces 1941. Top 'Souvenir of Palestine" Centre Insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces, Bottom "1941"world war 11, rats of tobruk, palestine

This cushion cover was owned by Arthur Lock, a soldier in the 2/23rd Battalion. After initial training in Albury, N.S.W. and Bonegilla, Victoria, they left for overseas service. Embarking in November 1940 on the transport Strathmore at Port Melbourne, the 2/23rd arrived in Egypt in mid-December. From Egypt they were deployed to Tobruk.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A cushion cover embroidered with the insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces 1941world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, egypt

Why the name 'Rats of Tobruk'? A former British citizen William Joyce, better known as Lord Haw-Haw, broadcast Nazi propaganda during World War II. His announcement ‘Germany calling, Germany calling’ was a familiar sound across the airwaves, broadcasting misinformation from Hamburg. During the Tobruk siege, he often referred to the men defending the garrison at Tobruk as “poor desert rats of Tobruk, who live like rats and will die like rats. The Australian soldiers loved the term ‘Rats of Tobruk’ and adopted it as a badge of honour. Calling themselves the ‘Rats of Tobruk’, they turned the derogatory comments back against the Germans. William Joyce was eventually captured and returned to Britain, where he was later hanged for treason in January 1946. This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A plastic and enamel badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association mounted on a wood base. The logo appears to be one of only a small number to use the acronym R.O.T.A above the more common Association Logo.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk