The photo was bought home by James Todd No 2418, 12th Batt AIF. Refer Cat No 1340P for his service details.Copy of original sepia photo of a German soldier, seated with arms in front. A piece of ribbon attached to a button on the uniform could be for an "Iron Cross".Some writing at the bottom of the photo but unreadable.photography-photographs, military history-german army

By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).This WW1 item is a reminder of the roles that men from Orbost played in that conflict.Large brown leather saddle used by the Light Horse Brigade in WW1. The saddle is built on a pair of felt-padded wooden "bars" which sat on either side of the horse's spine. These are joined by steel arches with a shaped leather seat laced between them. C G H F The saddle also has a few other numbers on it which are difficult to read with accuracy. saddle military-history army transport horse

From Title Page "Stalingrad/ THE DEATH OF AN ARMY" "Translated from the German by/ H. LANGMEAD ROBINSON"Hardcover book. Cover - cardboard. Maroon colour buckram. Gold colour print on front and spine. 411 pages - cut, plain, off white colour paper. End papers front and back illustrated - MAP - black colour ink print on off-white paper. Handwritten inscription - front and paper.Handwritten details - grey lead pencil. "$2.00"pyblication, book, military history, ww2, german

William John ARCHER (Bill) No 321 (born Castlemaine, enlisted Castlemaine) in B Coy 21st Batt AIF on 18.1.15. Embarked for Eygpt 8.5.15. Hospital 9.9.15 with Influenza. Hospital 24.11.15 with Gastric Enteritis. Hospital 2.1.16 with Otitis Media. Transfers to the 57th Batt and embarks for France. Hospital with Trench Fever 4.10.16. Promoted to Cpl 28.4.17. Hospital 19.3.18 with Scabies. WIA 18.4.18 GSW's to chest and leg severe. Discharged from the AIF medically unfit 9.1.19. Alexander William ARCHER No 40637 (born Castlemaine, enlisted Melbourne) in the RAAF on 16.5.41 age 18 years 8 months. He wanted to be a Mess Steward and was taken in as he had worked in similar work line. He then has 5 postings before embarking for Egypt on 2.4.1942 and was posted to No 3 SQD RAAF on 20.5.1942. Re mustered as a Motor Cyclist he became a Dispatch Rider on 8.9.1942 between the RAAF and the Army. Alex served in the Middle East and Italy with 3 SQD. He embarked from Egypt diagnosed with Kyphosis and Scoliosis on 5.2.1944. In Australia he was re mustered as Office Orderly on 6.7.1944 and then discharged from the RAAF on 2.10.1944 Medically Unfit. Wooden base with brass shells either end resembling Officers caps,one being WWI, the other WWII, both inscribed. Centre plaque inscribed Alex Archer and Bill Archer, father and son. Above the centre plaque is a piece of German shrapnel chrome plated Map - "North Africa, 1940", on left hand side, "18-Pounder, 1917, Bill Archer-Anzac, 1914-1919", on right hand side, "German shrapnel"handcrafts - trench art, metal craft- brassware, arms - ammunition, military history - souvenirs

This section of aluminium sheet with Swastika is from a German ME 109 fighter that was shot down by RAAF pilot Brian Eaton over Libya in Nov 1942. This section of the plane was bought back to Australia by Alex ARCHER No 40637 who was a despatch rider with No 3 Sqd RAAF. Refer Cat No 2597 for Alex Archers service details. Brian Eaton. Brian Alexander EATON, CB, CBE, DSO. & Bar, DFC. CO of No 3 SQD RAAF April 1943 to Feb 1944, EATON joined the RAAF in 1936 and retired in 1973 with the rank of Air Vice Marshall. At one point he was shot down 3 times.Swastika symbol painted on aluminium aircraft skin. Symbol is black with cream edging on a grey-green background.On back "Mantuba/Nov 1942/ N.A"military history, army, souvenirs, germany

29 various badges, buttons from assorted armies are attached to the German belt. The belt and assorted items were souvenired by John Stanley Howlett. Refer 41 medals, 48.4P photos. German webbing belt bearing a souvenir collection of 29 various buttons and badges from assorted armies.On belt buckle: Gott Mit Uns (God with us)military history, uniforms, souvenirs, buttons, costume accessories - haberdashery

Foolscap single news sheet printed both sides dated 7.6.1941. It describes war events from home & abroad, events in England, France, Germany & America. Typed bottom of P 2. “Ed and Prod by L/Sgt W H Williams (VX27459)”documents - newspapers, military history - army, dinkum

.1) 19.1.41 To Gladys with best wishes from Viv. Later someone has written VX15538 VRG THOMAS D Coy 2/14 Battalion Vivian Raymond George Thomas enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 17.5.1940 age 28 years. He is listed as KIA at Gona New Guinea on 28.11.1942 while serving in the 2/14th Batt with the rank of Cpl and is buried in the Bomana War Cemetery Port Moresby..1) Post card in the form of a 'One Palestine Pound' with inset photo of an Australian Soldier VRG THOMAS. Colour in sepia tones. .2) Photograph copy enlarged from .3) showing German graves. Sepia colour. .3) - .39) Series of original photographs in black & white, sepia re war in North Africa, pyramids, towns, cities. Several are in the islands.photography-photographs, military history - army, documents - postcards

Walter Forbes VX953 AASC 6th Div AIF. Refer 1101, 1103.44, 1106. Brown cardboard piece with the following pasted on. Colour postcard cartoon featuring a soldier on a camel . B&W Cartoon of a soldier on a motorbike. Newspaper clip re A.I.F Liberated P.O.W's from Germany, includes W.FORBES. Small B&W inset paper photo of W.FORBES. Newspaper clip re "Roy Rene" (Mo) who is impersonated by W.Forbes in the P.O.W Camp in Germany.documents - newspapers, military history - army, forbes, pow

Walter William Forbes enlisted on 6.11.39 serving 40 days in Australia and 1863 days overseas. He was taken P.O.W in North Africa and imprisoned in Germany. Discharged from the A.I.F 27.7.45. Refer 1102, 1103.44, 1106."Certificate of Discharge" from the 2nd A.I.F re W. Forbes. On yellow parchment paper, double sided giving details of his Name, Rank, Regt No, period of Service, dates and physical appearance."Certificate No 173552" "VX 953 Dvr Walter Forbes 6 Aust Division ASC"documents - certificates, military history, army/records, forbes, pow

Green buckram hard cover, light green print. 402 pages, illustrated black & white maps / drawings. books, biography, military history

Belonged to JOHN WILLIAM GRINTON No 1043 C Coy 38th Batt AIF. Refer Reg No 1280 for Service Details also 1317P, 1319P. Refer 1634P for the story on the map.Trench map of France - Edition 5A Bellicourt - Montbrahain - Bran Court. Tan, wooden frame, glass front with white cardboard backing. Hanging wire attached at back with centre strengthening brace. Map stuck on white background. German trenches in blue. Top middle: France. RHS bottom rear: The Union Studio - Castlemaine sticker.documents - maps, frame accessories, military history - army

Item in the collection relating to Alexander Norman Cummin No 18, 38th Batt AIF. Refer 2535P for his service details.Black & white portrait of 22 German Soldaten, 2 have peaked caps, the rest have feld mutz. Most are wearing one or more service decorations. photography-photographs, documents - postcards, military history - army

Part of WILLIAM HOLMES Collection. Refer Cat No 2548.2P for his service history. Rectangular brown pigskin bound autograph book. Autographs embossed & highlighted in gold on top LH corner of cover. Pages contain handwritten messages & signatures from mainly 22nd AIF Batt members in 1918. Handwritten in pencil inside front cover: “PTE W HOLMES” On inside of back cover sketch in biro: of the head of German soldier with cigarette Hock Lock written along with W HOLMES signature.books-autograph, military history-souvenirs-army

Stalag 344 was a German POW camp near Lambsdorf in Silesia. Douglas GRANT VX8604 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 23.11.1939 age 33 years 7 months. Posted to the 2/8th Bn on 5.12.1939, embarked for the Middle East on 14.4.1940, disembarked 18.5.1940, embarked for Greece 31.3.1941, reported missing Crete date unknown, officially reported POW 27.10.1941 Stalag V11A. He was also in Stalag 8B before Stalag 344. He arrived in the U.K on 8.5.1945, embarked for Australia 30.5.1945 arriving 7.7.1945. He was hospitalised with Depression and Anxiety State and classed Medically unfit and was discharged from the Army on 13.5.1946. Refer also Cat No 1092P.German post card letter with heading at the top: Kriegsgelangenenpost. The letter folds in 3, the front printed with space for address to, the rear same for the sender. Inside are ruled lines for a letter. A letter in pencil dated Mar 10th and signed by Doug. A small section of the start is missing. A sticker in red states: Opened by Censor.documents - letters, military history - army, pow, grant

Hard cover board with dust cover. Dust cover rad background, black and gold writing. Stylised image of an imperial German army aircraft tail plane. Book - brown buckram. No writing. Pages 242. Illustrated with black and white photos."Sister M SEAGRAVE" - LABEL "From Bishop Noel Day's Collection"books, military history

Index, bibliography, maps, ill, p.173.non-fictionThe German army in the Second World War sought to fight and win swift, decisive victories in a succession of short campaigns - blitzkrieg, or lightning war. Flexibility was as essential as the will to win. Battle groups, or shock troops, were created from miscellaneous, and often disparate military units to undertake a specific local operation; it was the army's skill in combining superior numbers, aggressive tactics and the battle group commander's ability to exploit the changing situation on the ground which brought success on the battlefield.

The actions described here cover all theatres of the war, and include battle groups large and small, deployed usually to smash a breach in the enemy line or seal off an enemy penetration. It covers operations in the first dynamic years when Wehrmacht forces defeated the armies of one European country after another in fast campaigns, through to the years after Stalingrad and Africa as they moved towards defeat. 

The battle groups' contribution to Wehrmacht fortunes offer powerful lessons in the tactics of battle management and this book by James Lucas, a military historian known for his close studies of the German soldier, is considered to be one of the most detailed and authoritative accounts on the subject. Collapse summary germany - armed forces - history, germany - regimental histories

Bibliography, ill, maps, p.304.non-fictionThis book describes the battles on the Eastern front in 1944 which resulted in the destruction of Army Group Centreworld war 1939-1945 - campaigns - soviet union, operation bagration

Index, bibliography, notes, ill (b/w), p.348.From the 1930s through WWII to Afghanistan today, from total war to counterinsurgency, this history unravels and defines the intangible qualities that differentiate the "Sky Men" from other soldiers Seventy years ago the Parachute Regiment was formed - the army's elite air assault force was tough, well-trained, and designed to fight hazardous operations behind enemy lines with little or no backup. Dropping into the middle of enemy territory, these "Sky Men"- British, American, German, and Russian soldiers - engage in gruelling combat in the most dangerous conflict zones around the world. Ex-Parachute Regiment officer Robert Kershaw reveals the history of these airborne forces and their role during the most dramatic battles of the 20th century. He finds out what drives a "Sky Man" to take these extraordinary risks, and what marks these sky warriors out from ordinary soldiers. How do military paratroopers conquer the fear of jumping from aircraft at low level, by night, and frequently under fire? Has the helicopter replaced the need for parachutists in the 21st Century? Has the increasing lethality of anti-aircraft weapons made the airborne option redundant? These issues are examined alongside the personal experiences of the Soviet "Locust Warriors," German Fallschirmjäger, British Red Devils, American "devils in baggy-pants," and Les Paras. Based on letters, diaries, and exclusive interviews with soldiers from around the world, this book is full of vivid personalities and nail-biting action.great britain - history - military, great britain - parachute regiment

Index, bibliography, ill, maps, p.335.non-fictionn 1900, Germany was one of modernity's great success stories: The most progressive and dynamic nation in Europe, it was the only country whose rapid economic growth and innovation rivaled that of the United States. Its political culture was far less authoritarian than Russia's and less anti-Semitic than France's. Representative institutions thrived, and competing political parties and elections were a central part of life. How, then, could it be that in little more than a generation this stable modern country would fall into the hands of Adolf Hitler and the violent, racist, extremist political movement he led, a movement that would lead Germany and then all of Europe into utter moral, physical, and cultural ruin?" "There is no story in twentieth-century history more important to understand, and Richard Evans has written the definitive account for our time. A masterful synthesis of a vast body of scholarly work integrated with important new research and interpretations, Evans's history restores drama and contingency to the rise to power of Hitler and the Nazis, even as he shows how ready Germany was by the early 1930s for such a takeover to occur. Its citizens were angry and embittered by military defeat and economic ruin, and its young democracy undermined by a civil service, an army, and a law enforcement system deeply alienated from the new order. The electorate was beset by growing extremism and panic about communism; and the small but successful Jewish community was subject to wide-spread suspicion and resentment. In the end, though nothing about what happened was preordained, Germany proved to be fertile ground for Nazism's ideology of hatred.germany - politics and government 1933-1939, germany - nazi party

Collected by Charles Honybun. Part of Honybun collectionSample of W W I camoflague fabricSample of doped canvas fabric from W W I German aircraft. Rectangular shape of Fabric in green, purple and yellow with hole for tag in one cornermilitary history, army, air force, ww1, charles henry honybun

Tankard to commemorate conflicts in which the Australian Army has been involved since and including World War I. From the Returned Services League, Mitcham Sub-Branch, 26 McDowall Street, Mitcham, cnr Harrison Street when it closed early 2014.Australian Army Tankard with Australian rising sun badge on front. Tankard is made of pewter with a glass base. On the tankard all the conflicts that the Australian fought in are commemorated from World War I to Vietnam.The Australian Army Tankard, World War I, World War I, Mesopotamia, Flanders, German New Guinea, Gallipoli, France, Palestine, World War II, North Africa, Crete, Malaya, S.W. Pacific, Timor, New Guinea, Java, Bougainville, Borneo, Greece, Syria, Singapore, South Africa, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam.military history, army, metalcraft, pewterware

Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of Villers-Bretonneux in France, a region which was part of the Western Front during World War I. The image mostly shows rural landscape. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. The First Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 30 March - 5 April 1918. It took place during Operation Michael, part of the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front. The offensive began against the British Fifth Army and the Third Army on the Somme, and pushed back the British and French reinforcements on the north side of the Somme. The capture of Villers-Bretonneux, close to Amiens, a strategically important road and rail-junction, would have brought the Germans within artillery-range. In late March, troops from the Australian Imperial Force were brought south from Belgium as reinforcements to help shore up the line. In early April, the Germans launched an attack to capture Villers-Bretonneux. After a determined defence by British and Australian troops, the attackers were close to success until a counter-attack by the 9th Australian Infantry Brigade and British troops late in the afternoon of 4 April restored the situation and halted the German advance on Amiens. The Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 24 - 27 April 1918, during the German Spring Offensive to the east of Amiens. It is notable for being the first occasion on which tanks fought against each other. A counter-attack by two Australian brigades and a British brigade during the night of 24 April partly surrounded Villers-Bretonneux, and on 25 April, the town was recaptured. On 26 April, the role of the Moroccan division of the French army was crucial in pushing back German units. Australian, British and French troops nearly restored the original front line by 27 April.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. Additionally, the record's significance is enhanced by its depiction of Villers-Bretonneux. The battles that occurred in this town during World War I are especially historically significant to Australia as this is where the Australian Imperial Force had one their greatest World War I victories. An Australian flag still flies over Villers-Bretonneux in the present. Furthermore, a plaque outside the Villers-Bretonneux Town Hall recounts the battles fought to save the town in 1918. Kangaroos feature over the entrance to the Town Hall, and the main street is named Rue de Melbourne. More officially, recognition of the significance of the battle in Villers-Bretonneux is found at the Australian National Memorial, which was built just outside the town. It commemorates all Australians who fought in France and Belgium and includes the names of 10,772 who died in France and have no known grave. Each year, a small ceremony is held at the memorial to mark the sacrifice made by the soldiers. Lastly, the record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: yAE.2.35. / 125 / 62d.2834.35.36.VA.5. / 12.G.18-11 / F.-(?)" /military album, wwi, world war i, villers-bretonneux, australian imperial force, aif, france, war, army, conflict, germany, 1918, battle

Taken some time between 1914-18 in France, the photograph depicts extensive wreckage of a railway train. There are collapsed buildings, debris, and helmets scattered all across the landscape. There is one unidentified soldier standing in the middle of the photograph. With research that is currently available, it can be inferred that the wreckage depicted in this photograph is from the tragic Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment which occurred on December 12, 1917. The railway accident involved a troop train carrying almost 1,000 French soldiers on their way home for leave from the Italian Front in World War I. As the train descended into the Maurienne Valley, a sudden, uncontrollable acceleration caused a catastrophic crash and subsequent fire. 675 people died in the accident.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day. Additionally, there is only limited information available about the Sant-Michel-de-Maurienne derailment. The record may be a useful springboard for further investigation into this accident and its history.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 6530 / Destruction of train carrying / German helmets (?) to (?) prior to / his retreat at Charleroi /military album, army, war, wwi, world war i, france, charleroi, train, military, wreckage, europe, belgium, saint-michel-de-maurienne, maurienne valley

Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: BMM2640.2 / POST CARD / Write here for Inland Postage only / The Address to be written heremilitary album, wwi, world war i, australian army, australian imperial force, aif, uniform, postcard, portrait

Taken on an unknown date, depicted is a portrait of a young, unidentified male soldier. He is dressed in an Australian military uniform. It is believed that this soldier was part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniform. The placement of this insignia on the sleeve of the right arm suggests that this soldier was either a Warrant Officer or a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, there are three - are believed to signify a Sergeant ranking. The man in this photograph is also wearing a 'Rising Sun' collar badge on his coat. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on card.Reverse: CARD / JAS.C.CRADDEN, / 182 PITT ST, SYDNEY. / Cecil Johnson / BMM2640.1 /military album, wwi, world war i, postcard, australian army, australian imperial force, aif, sergeant, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer, portrait

It is believed that the photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in 1918. Depicted are ten Australian male soldiers. Their names are transcribed in pencil on the reverse side of the postcard. Each soldier is dressed in a formal military uniform. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniforms of nine of ten men. The placement of this insignia on the sleeves of their right arms suggests that they were either Warrant Officers or Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, nine men have three - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The men pictured on this postcard are also wearing 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the rectangular colour patches worn by all men on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the upper arms of a soldier’s tunic. The black and white nature of the record means that we cannot establish which battalion these soldiers were part of. However, one of the handwritten signatures on the reverse side of the postcard reads "W.A. Griggs". This was the signature of Sergeant William Archibald Griggs. Further research shows that Griggs was part of the 5th Australian Division Signals Company. Therefore, it is believed these soldiers were part of the ANZAC Signal Companies. The main role of the Signal Companies during World War I was the laying and maintenance of telephone cables and switchboards, used to connect various units in their area. Furthermore, the man standing in the back row, third from the left side, has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the black and white nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: Oh 'Serg!' / Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / 6537 / Correspondance / Adresse / w.a. Grigg / J. Fain / Ruckling / R.J Farrar / (?) / Clarke / L (?) / GFFisher / R. M. Forrest / With Compliments / Sgt's Mess / November 1918 /military album, army, aif, uniform, military, wwi, world war i, rising sun badge, william archibald griggs, anzac, signal companies, postcard, patches, chevron

The photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken some time between 1914-1918. Depicted are five unidentified Australian soldiers. They are all dressed in military uniforms. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are rectangular colour patches. One is visible on the soldier in the front row, first from the left on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the right arms of a soldier’s tunic. The sepia nature of the record means that we cannot determine the colour, and therefore cannot establish which battalion this soldier was part of. Furthermore, the man seated in the middle of the front row has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the sepia nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Sepia rectangular postcard printed on paper.Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / hyossest (?) / 6538 /military album, army, aif, australian imperial force, postcard, wwi, world war i, portrait, soldiers