This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. On Guard With The Volunteer Defence Corps Published for the Volunteer Defence Crops by Australian War Memorial, Canberra, A.C.T by the Government Printer Sydney Date: 1966Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 581.9944 MAI warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, on guard with the volunteer defence corps

Krithia, Quinn's Post Lone Pine, The Nek, Hill 971, SAri Bair, Chunuk Bair, Hill 60, Fromelles, Ypres, Messines, Menin Road, Broodseinde, Polygon Wood, Paschendalle, Strazeele, Pozieres, Moquet Farm, Bullecourt, Villes Bret, Hamel, Mont St. Quintin, Peronne, Hindenburg Line, Romani, Magdhaba, Rafa, Gaza, Beersheba, Jerusalem, Jericho, Es Salt, Amman, Megiddo, Sharon, Damascus.2 x On Guard with the Volunteer Defence Corpsvolunteer defence force in wwii, europe

Hard Cover. Title printed in Black on Green ground Published for the Volunteer Defence Corps by Australian War Memorial, Canberra, ACT. 1944.ww2. volunteers home defence

Ill, p.200.non-fictionAnecdotal stories of life and action of the Volunteer defence corpsaustralian army - anecdotes, civilian soldiers - australia

Hard grey cloth covered book with B&W & coloured illustrations and pictures/ photos. Black printing. Red print on front cover & spine. Logo or crest on front cover, in red.tatura, volunteer defence corps, books, military

The volunteer defence corps was raised and maintained in the early years by the RSL. The early members of the corps were men with distinguished service from WW1.the early formation and activity of the volunteer corps.grey hard cover non-fiction book

Book

Associated with the service of Lieutenant H. Dixon, circa 1943. Worn by people who served on the Home Front in this Corps during the Second World War.This item is significant because Australian Army khaki woollen service dress jacket with red embroidered circular Unit Colour Patch on the top of each sleeves consistent with markings of Australia's home guard – the Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC). Four button down closure. The jacket is fully lined with a lightweight fabric, either natural or synthetic. A self fabric belt passes around the waist and fastens with a buckle at the front. Button down epaulettes with two pips denoting lieutenant ranking. 'Rising Sun' collar badges on each lapel. Pleated breast pockets with triple pointed flaps with exposed buttons. A pair of pockets over each hip with straight flaps each fastened with one visiable button. Pockets over hips have one Four front pockets are fastened with one visible buttton. These 8 buttons are domed metal showing a raised emblem of Australia surmounted by the King's Crown: also see Tudor Crown or Imperial Crown. The back of these buttons have a loop shank, secured with cotton. Surrounding is a stamp K. C. LUKE PTY LTD. MELB. There is a small pocket on the inside of the jacket corresponding to the right breast pocket.Small, white, rectangular manufactures tag stiched with khaki coloured cotton within the small pocket on the inside of the jacket corresponding to the right breast pocket. Approximately H 24mm x W 44m The MYER STORE for MEN MELBOURNE & ADELAIDE Typed in red ink on the bottom section of the manufacturers tag. Lt. H. Dixon W. 7290. 10/12/43.heraldry, uniform, volunteer defence corps

Set of Books commonly called 'As You Were' from WW1 and WW2. Green cloth. .1) Australia in Palestine (WWI) Book, hard cover, cardboard in centre of cover is silhouette of a Light Horseman & horse. Print is black ink, 153 pages. Illustrated with photos, drawings & maps. .2) These Eagles. Story of the RAAF at War. Book, green hard buckram cover, 200 pages. Front cover has black print with outline drawing of an eagle. Illustrated with photos, drawings. .3) RAAF Log - The RAAF at War. Book, green buckram hard cover. Front has profile of a pilot, black print, 200 pages, illustrated with photos, maps. paintings & drawings. .4) RAAF SAAG - The RAAF at War. Front cover has drawing of 2 Fighter Pilots in black ink, black print. 200 pages, illustrated with photos, drawings & paintings. Book, green buckram hard cover. Front cover has drawing of 2 Fighter pilots, black print, 200 pages, photos, drawings & paintings. .5) Victory Roll - The RAAF at War. Book, green buckram, black print, 200 pages, photos, drawings & charts. .6) HMAS Green buckram hard cloth cover, cloth cover with black text. 200 pages, black & white print, black text on white paper. .7) HMAS Mk II. Book, green buckram hard cover, black & white text on white paper. 200 pages, illustrated colour prints. .8) HMAS Mk III Book , green buckram hard cover, black text on white paper. 200 pages, illustrated colour prints. .9) HMAS Mk IV Book, green buckram hard cover, black text on white paper. Illustrated colour prints. .10) Active Service with Australia in the Middle East. Book, green buckram hard cover, black text on white paper, 129 pages. .11) Soldering on the Australian Army at Home & Overseas. Book, green buckram hard cover, black text on white paper, 200 pages. Rising Sun badge at bottom right hand corner. Illustrated with black & white photos, paintings, maps & drawings. .12) Khaki & Green with the Australian Army at Home & Overseas. Book, green buckram hard cover, black text on white paper, 204 pages. Front cover has a layout of words khaki & green, 2nd tone in light yellow. Illustrated with black & white photos, paintings, & drawings. .13) Jungle Warfare with the Australian Army in the South West Pacific. Book, brown buckram hard cover, light brown ink. Image at bottom of Australian soldier in jungle, 208 pages. Illustrated with photos, paintings, maps & drawings. .14) Stand Easy. After the Defeat of Japan, 1945. Book, light green buckram hard cover, black text on white paper, 208 pages. Image of soldier, both arms outstretched, smiling. Illustrated with photos, maps, paintings, & drawings. .15 On Guard with the Volunteer Defence Corps. Book, green & black buckram hard cover, black text on white paper, 172 pages. Illustrated with colour prints, & black & white photos. .16) As You Were. A Cavalcade of Events with The Australian Services from 1788 to 1946. Book, green buckram hard cover, tan & black text on white paper, 202 pages. Illustrated with black & white photos & colour prints. .17) As You Were. A Cavalcade of Events with The Australian Services from 1788 to 1947. Book, green buckram hard cover, black text on white paper, 202 pages. Illustrated with black & white photos & colour prints. .18) As You Were. A Cavalcade of Events with The Australian Services from 1788 to 1948. Book, green buckram hard cover, black text on white paper, 202 pages. Illustrated with black & white photos & colour prints. .19) As You Were. A Cavalcade of Events with The Australian Services from 1788 to 1949. Book, green buckram hard cover, green text on white paper, red & green diagram, 194 pages. Illustrated with black & white photos & colour prints. .20) Signals. Story of the Australian Corps of Signals. Book, green buckram hard cover, black text on white paper, 196 pages. In the corner of the front cover is the badge with motif of the Australian Corps of Signals. Illustrated with photos & drawings..1) 4214 TPR J E Neilson Year 1919 F E Addlem 1962 .books-military, museums, history

1. THIS IS A MEDIUM SIZED MANUAL. THE COVER IS A STIFF CARDBOARD OF KHAKI COLOUR. TOP CENTRE IS THE AUSTRALIAN CREST. AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES. Standing orders for Volunteer Defence Corps 1942. At the bottom is a line stating: By Authority Victorian Railways Printing Works, North Melbourne. Inside are 24 pages of orders and a couple of loose amendments. 2. Pocket size Manual. Khaki Cover. Printing on front in black ink. Title - VOLUNTEER DEFENCE CORPS (HOME GUARD) "Preliminary Training Manual" 5th Edition. Headquarters Perth W.A. August 1942. The manual has 128 pages of text and drawings. It is bound with 3 rusty staples.ww2, volunteer defence corps (v.d.c.)

Material used by Corporal Bock in training. Also VDC (Volunteer Defence Corps)logos, motor spirit ration tickets and instruction for battle, guarding service aircraft etc.Black folder containing printed matter in plastic sleeves.corporal bock, b company 16th battalion, volunteer defence corp, vdc logos

An excellent reference to the forming and service of the Australian Volunteer Defence Corps in WW2. Sometimes referred to as Australia's Dad's Army. History of the Australian Volunteer Corps in WW2 ( Home Guard ).Printed pagesPrinted pages containing photos, sketches and jokes.

For this series please refer to Cat No's 9546.7, 9547.4, 9548.4, 9548.5. Items in the collection of "William John Sullivan", VX 57829. Refer Cat No. 9523P for his service details.1 - 7. Hard cover books with dust covers. All pages cut, plain white paper. Illustrated in black and white and colour photographs, painting, maps, sketches and diagrams. All end papers are illustrated. 1. "ACTIVE SERVICE", 1941, green buckram, black print font and spine. Silhouette illustration of a soldier in uniform. Dust cover - white colour print, front and spine illustration sculptured figure of soldier on yellow/green colour background 129 pages. 2. '"SOLDIERING ON", 1942, Green buckram, black print front and spine. Illustration "Rising Sun Badge". Dust cover - white colour print, front and spine. Illustration Black and White sketch of soldiers in action, mustard colour background. 200 pages. 3. "KHAKI AND GREEN" 1943. Green buckram, dark blue colour print front and spine. Dust cover brown and white colour print front and spine. Green and brown colour background, 204 pages. 4. '"JUNGLE WARFARE" 1944. Green buckram, dark blue print front and spine. Illustrated - small sketch of a soldier. Dust cover, white colour print, front, spine. Illustrated green, orange and white two soldiers at rest. 200 pages. 5. "STAND EASY" 1945. Teal buckram, dark blue colour print, front and spine. Illustrated soldier with hands in the air. Dust cover - red colour print front and spine. Illustrated colour sketch of a soldier holding globe of the world, beige background, Back - photograph of Australian War Memorial in Canberra. 208 pages. 6. "ON GUARD" 1944. Green buckram, black colour print front and spine. Illustrated black ink sketch drawing of a soldier. light green background. 172 pages. 7. '"SIGNALS", Green buckram, dark blue print front and spine. Illustrated AUSTRALIAN CORPS OF SIGNALS CREST. Dust cover - white and purple print on front and spine. Illustrated purple figure on globe. 196 pages. book series, aif, ww2, william john sullivan