Ballarat Shool of Mines played an important role in training returned World War One servicemen via the Repatriation Vocational Training Scheme. Operating from 1917 to 1922, this scheme offered trades-based training to a large number of returned soldiers, depending on aptitude and level of disability. Many returned soldiers were unprepared for the workforce after demobilisation because of war injuries, or lost study opportunity during the years of their service. The Scheme was designed to give ex-servicemen the skills to find jobs, boost post-war economic recovery and add to social cohesion. It operated from 1917 to 1922. White paper with handwritten script in ink. The rough draft letter relates to free tuition for returned soldiers at the Ballarat School of Mines28.8.1916 Major Lazarus Secretary Returned Soldiers Association Y.M.C.A. Ballarat Dear Sir. On the 25th February last my Council adopted a resolution to the effect that application from returned soldiers for free tuition at this school would be favorably considered. At the Council meeting held on Friday last, the 25th inst., the matter was further discussed and, at Colonel Bolton's suggestion, it was decided that it would be in the best interests of the movement, if application for admission were received through your association. The undermentioned gentlemen were appointed as a sub-committee to receive such application and will be very pleased to interview any soldiers whom you would recommend as trainees. Yours faithfully Joseph A. Day Sub committee:- Col. W.K. Bolton, Mr T. Hurley. W.R. Stephenson, The Principal of the Science School (Mr E. Fenner), and the Principal of the Art School (Mr H.H. Smith)repatriation, repatriation vocational training scheme, ballarat school of mines, world war, world war 1, bolton, colonel bolton, w.k. bolton, joseph day, t. hurley, r. stephenson, fenner, h.h. smith, returned soldiers, returned soldiers association, balllarat ymca, major lazarus, world war one, repatriation

This badge was issued for the Returned Soldiers Association, Victoria. It is numbered on the back of the badge 2050, no makers marks. The RSA preceed the RSSILA Badge of 1916.It is an original badge issued in Victoria in the period 1915-1919A Small badge, brass colour, enamel finish on the front.Front - RSA, Returned Services Association, Victoria. Back - figure 2050.rsa, victoria

15th Annual Carnival of Returned Soldiers Association of Rutherglen A.L. Grantham President / Messrs P.R. Fullerton, J. Briggs VPs / Secretary J. Small, Ass. Sec. W. CollierGrey-blue paper cover, 8 pages, Sun Print. Printed for the R.S.A. of Rutherglen"Rutherglen Returned Soldiers Association / 15th Annual Carnival" RSL Badge.returned soldiers' association, rsa, sporting events

The first signature at the top of the front cover is "Tom Dunphy 6th Batt". This was his invitation he had signed by attendee's. He was very involved in the 6th Batt Association in Bendigo. Refer Cat No 1093 for items re Tom. Program folding card, front cover has two flags at top with a Rising Sun image under followed by the heading "Banquet", under is the date, place, then an image of a Soldier and Sailor. Inside has first page a list of "Toasts" and by whom, 3rd page is the extensive menu and last on rear the committee names of the Bendigo Branch. The front cover has hand written names in pencil of those attending, inside has 4 names and rear is covered in names. Main points: "Banquet given to the ANZACS by the Retrurned Soldiers Association (Bendigo Branch) Monday 20th January 1919 Masonic Hall Bendigo - W Fozard Secretary"brsl, smirsl, banquet, program

Song written by "C.H. Soulter" and music by "C.W. MacCarthy". Was sold for benefit of Returned Soldiers Association of NSW. 8 sheets of A4 paper stapled together. First sheet cover sheet titled name of song and it's authors. Next 6 pages is the music score with accompanying lyrics. Final page is song lyrics and brief synopsis of the history and purpose of Returned Soldiers Association of NSW. Markings suggest it is a photocopy. Writing in black on white paper. Song name of front "The Toast is ANZAC Gentleman!" Price 2 shillings.passchendaele barracks trust, music score

Grey metal badge encased in blue velvet box.On front: "NZ RETURNED SOLDIERS ASSOCIATION" Badge No on Rear: "197"badges, returned nz, association

Souvenir programmee of the opening ceremony of the Soldiers' Memorial Haal, Bendigo, performed by the Governor of Victoria, Earl of Stradbroke, November 1921. Contents: Features of the Memorial Hall, Program of Opening ceremony, Returned Soldiers' Association, Night Concedrt, Diggers Business Association, Local advertising. 3480.11a Front Page 3480.11b Internal PageW. H. Robinson Photo Bendigophotograph, person

A Century of Service, the events, people and places that shaped the RSL in Bendigo 1915-2015. A tribute to the men and women from Bendigo who have served in the Defence Forces of Australia and our allies in time of need and in particular to those who formed a sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers Association in Bendigo in 1915 and those who have participated in the last 100 years.Soft cover 239 pages with black and white & coloured photographs.Murray Poustieorganization, military, rsl

The program details the opening of the Soldiers Memorial Institute conducted by his Excellency the Earl of Stradbroke Govenor of Victoria on Tuesday 21st of November 1921. Contains information and photos of Office Bearers of the Returned Soldiers Association, Diggers Business Association and Memorial Hall Concert night. Advertisements for local Business sponsors appear on the last 3 pages. The Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch took occupancy of the building on the day as Tenants and remains so till now. Refer Cat No’s 8222 and 8224 for the original “Indenture” re the use of the Soldiers Memorial Institute by the Bendigo R.S.S.I.L.A (RSL) signed on 22.4.1920 by the Mayor, Councillors, RSL and witnesses. .1) Souvenir program all paper blue covers with window inset published for the opening of the "Soldiers Memorial Institute" in Pall Mall Bendigo Victoria. .2) Same as above but has grey covers.brsl, smirsl, pamphlet

Women’s Auxiliaries were formed by mothers, wives, widows, sisters, daughters and aunts of men who served in the First World War. In May1918 a small band of women from the "Friendly Union" organised themselves,under the leadership of Mrs F C Purbrick, into a Women's Auxiliary of the Wangaratta Returned Soldiers Association (RSA). Their first task was to furnish club rooms for the RSA and this was achieved by seeking donations and raising money by selling jams, jellies and posies of violets by selected girls wearing special badges in the street. Over the years funds have been raised through raffles, competitions, street stalls and catering at numerous events to assist the aims of the Returned Services League. In 2018 Wangaratta RSL Women's Auxiliary celebrated its centenary. Women have played a central role in sustaining the activities of ex-service organisations. Women's auxiliaries are dedicated to fundraising, supporting the activities of their local RSL, and caring for veterans in their wider community.Red timber shield mounted on brown laminated base of particle board in a larger shield shape with metal emblem. Women's Auxillary RSL on metal logo with Crown and Australian Flag mounted in red shieldwomen's auxiliary, wangaratta rsl

Badge Board on styrene mount N.Z. Returned Services Association, Returned Soldiers Salors League Victoria WarService Fund, S.A.S., (? Droit et Avanti), S.A.S., P.W.L.H.,Womans Auxilliary R.S.L., Returned Soldiers and sailors league, Waikato, Returned Sailors Soldiers & Airmen Imperial League and Rising Sun collar badge.7th L.H.Hat and lapel badges (Collected by Lt. C. J. Owens VX108037medal, badge, medallion, insignia, 7th light horse, c.j.owens

This document signed by the Mayor, Councilor's, Citizens and Bendigo Soldiers and Sailors Association on 22 4.1920 outlines the usage of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in Pall Mall Bendigo as a Rest Home for Returned Servicemen. Signed by, J.H. Curnow Mayor - A. Dunstan, W Beebe, Councilors - W Honeybone Town Clerk. Signed by Bendigo R.S.S.A by John Adams - Harold Robert Catford. Witnessed by George. F. Rolling, L. J. Beckerleg. Signed by, George Francis Cole, Alfred Morris Pool. Witnessed by G. Allen, W Beach. The Bendigo RSL/Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch still occupies the building which now is the home of the Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No 800.2 for the opening of the Soldiers Memorial Institute in 1921. Refer Cat No 8048 for Harold Catford Bendigo R.S.S.A, Cat No 8022P for John Adams Bendigo R.S.S.ALegal record, blue paper, 5 pages of text all in black, one page with a sketch on half and the other is the front cover when folded by 3, pages held together by a green thin woven cord on the spine, pages have red lines as a border, there are 32 sub headings covering facets of the use of the building, there a few small notes added in the left hand column of some pages in blue pen.On the front folded cover underlined in some sections, "THE MAYOR COUNCILLORS AND CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF BENDIGO - with - THE TRUSTEES of the BENDIGO Branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers ASSOCIATION and the BENDIGO CITIZENS REST HOME COMMITTEE. (space) AGREEMENT AS TO THE REST HOME AND MEMORIAL INSTITUTE IN ROSILAND PARK At the bottom central, "Hyett and Hyett - Solicitors - Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, indenture 1920, legal

This document relating to the Agreement between the Bendigo Council and the Bendigo Returned Sailors and Soldiers Association re the use of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo is a day to day working copy of Cat No 8222 dated 22.4.1920 pre the opening of the building in 1921. Some of the hand written notes in left hand column are; Rental, Maintenance, Trustees, Right to hold meetings, Conduct, Control of grounds and portico.Legal document heavy paper light brown colour, basically a copy of Cat No 8222 without the hand written signatures and red seals. They are held together via a green cord sewn through the papers. In the space column notes have been hand written in pencil to make easier to find a paragraph on subjects relating to the use of the Building.Main point, as per "Cat No 8222"brsl, smirsl, legal, indenture 1920

Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), Monday 6 August 1928, page 9 ________________________________________ RINGWOOD WAR MEMORIAL CLOCK TOWER UNVEILED A CIVIC CEREMONY. The people of Ringwood have erected a beautiful stone clock tower at a cost of £1797, as a memorial to those who served in the war. The unveiling ceremony was performed by the mayor of Ringwood (Cr. W. Mackinlay) on Saturday. “Bleak conditions with showers intervening prevailed at Ringwood on Saturday afternoon, when the unveiling ceremony of the soldiers' memorial clock tower, performed by the mayor (Cr. W. Mackinlay) took place in the presence of a Iarge and representative gathering. The ceremony was solely a civic one. A majority of members of the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. had wished that Sir John Monash be invited to take a prominent part in the proceedings, but the trustees elected otherwise. The Salvation Army band from Box Hill rendered suitable music, while Sergeant E. P. Taylor (37th Battalion, A.I.F) sounded the Reveille and The Last Post impressively. Among those present were Mr. Edgar, M.L.C., the vicar of Ringwood (Rev. E. E. Robinson), Rev. G. McLaren (Methodist), the memorial trustees (Cr. J. B. McAlpin, Messrs, J. W. Barrett, A. H. Locke, J. A. Williams and A. G. Ashley). The last two mentioned are president and honorary secretary respectively of the local branch of the R.S.A. Soldier delegates from Camberwell and Mitcham were also present. At the outset the mayor said a few words would not be amiss concerning why the memorial had been so long delayed in being erected. In September, 1919, a public committee was formed, with Mr. A. V. Greenwood as chairman, to consider the erection of a suitable memorial to the soldiers. Among the more important suggestions had been the building of a hall and clubrooms on land generously offered by Mr. R. W. Dawes. This project had been abandoned, also the proposed erection of a huge memorial building, at a cost of £5000, on the site of the present town hall. As two years had passed without anything of a definite nature eventuating it was decided to elect five trustees, comprising three citizens and the president and secretary of the Returned Soldiers' Association with full power to act. In all propositions the trustees had been faced with financial difficulties, but about the time of the completion of the plans of the memorial tower Ringwood became a borough, and the new council was appealed to, and provided £500 to make the erection of the memorial possible. The architect, (Mr. H. Norris) had refused to take anything beyond out-of-pocket expenses (£16), while the engineer (Mr. Lucas) had saved a goodly sum by supervising the work. The total funds at the disposal of the trustees, including the council's donation, was, in round figures £1807. The tower complete would cost £1690; honor roll, £77, and fees paid for various designs had amounted to £30. The total expenditure was £1797, leaving a credit balance of £10. Before the unveiling the mayor, in again addressing the citizens, said he deemed it a privilege to perform such a task in connection with so splendid a memorial. The citizens had erected it as an expression of heartfelt gratitude in memory, first of all, of those heroes who gave not only their services, but their lives, when the call came in the common cause of right and liberty, upon which the British Empire was built. This memorial was also the tribute of the citizens in a degree of appreciation to those men who so un-selfishly and ungrudgingly volunteered their services in the Great War. The memorial, while commemorating the glorious deeds of Australian manhood, was not intended, in any sense, as a glorification of war. The memorial would tend to bring to one's mind the blessing of peace in contrast to the curse of hostilities. They were gathered there that afternoon to do honor to all those who volunteered for service to the Great War, but they wished to assure the friends and relatives of those who paid the supreme sacrifice of their sincere sympathy and trust. If ever in the future this fair southern land of ours was threatened by an invader he felt sure that Australian manhood would not hesitate to rally to the call to duty and defend the freedom of their country. Following prayer by Rev. G. McLaren (Methodist), the memorial clock tower was unveiled, the acting mayoress (Mrs. Mackinlay) cutting the cord, after which the making over of the memorial to the borough council took place, the president of the local branch of the R.S.A. (Mr. J. A. Williams) stating he had pleasure in accepting the key on behalf of the trustees. As the council was the permanent governing body the key would be handed back to the mayor, the memorial being given into the safety and custody of the council. During the proceedings the hymns O God, Our Help in Ages Past and Lest We Forget were rendered, the choirs of various denominations joining in the singing. Benediction was pronounced by the vicar of Ringwood (Rev. E. E. Robinson).” Black and white photograph (2 copies- one original mounted on cardboard backing)Written on rear of backing of original: "Opening of clock tower by Mayor W. Mackinlay, 4.8.1928." Written on back of copy" "Mayor Mackinlay dedicating Ringwood clocktower in original position at end of Warrandyte Rd. 1928. Maroondah Hwy on right."

Date is approximate. William and May Palstra were married in 1920; 60 Guildford Road was their first and only home. William was with the university when he joined the Australian Flying Corps in WW1. He went back to university on his return from the war but in 1926 when the RAAF was formed he joined it as he had enjoyed flying. He took his family to England while he did 2 years training at the Imperial College in London under Air Vice-Marshall Jones. He was chosen as the Australian representative on a special flight of an experimental airship designed to fly over long distances. The test flight was destined for India, then on to Australia. Its passengers were high level British officials including the UK Secretary of State. It struck bad weather after crossing the Channel, clipped a hill and crashed in France. Some of the crew survived but William Palstra was killed. Mrs Palstra did not receive any compensation; only a small allowance, then cut during the Depression. She was given some support from the Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's association. Donor, Margaret Thornton was a daughter of William and May Palstra; one of her daughters, Julia Thornton still lives in the house in 2009. Donation form signed by Julia Thornton. Margaret and Jocelyn had a brother, also William. The house remains in 2009 with extensions to the rear and side.Black and white photo of William and May Palstra and 2 of their children in the garden of their home. William is in the uniform of the RAAF. He is holding Margaret's hand; Jocelyn is in her mother's arms.guildford road, raaf, australian flying corps, uniforms, william palstra, may palstra, margaret palstra, margaret thornton, jocelyn palstra, julia thornton

This item has been brought back to Australia by a returning soldier from World War One (1914-1918). At a time when France was completely disrupted by the ravages of war many French women, especially those in rural areas, earned a living by making souvenir pieces of embroidery to sell to soldiers in the Allied forces. These embroidered pieces took the form of postcards, doyleys, centerpieces, handkerchiefs etc. The items are noted for the handcraft skills shown by the makers and are prized by collectors today. This item, although fragile, is of considerable interest, firstly as an attractive embroidered piece and secondly, because of its association with World War One as an example of the souvenirs brought back from France to Australia by returning soldiers. This is an oblong-shaped handkerchief or doyley. It has a pink or mauve silk square in the middle with a coloured motif embroidered in one corner. This s a shield with representations of several European flags and embroidered wording underneath. The silk square is edged in a wave pattern in pink. The square has a white lace border. The item is slightly stained and has fold marks.Souvenir de Franceworld war one

The Sailors and Soldiers Father's Association was established during WW1 and was actively involved in hospital visits, repatriation issues, employment of returned servicemen and servicemen's rights. Later during WW2, the association expanded to include airmen's rights, with similar goals to it's predecessor. Part of the "Kevin John Herdman" (No 397661) Collection. See Cat No. 5942P for details of his service.Round silver coloured metal and enamel badge with fastening pin on back. King's Crown on top. Lettering around the circumference of badge on blue enamel background - IN THE SERVICE OF THOSE WHO SERVE AUSTRALIA. The central white bordered diamond contains words - SAILORS SOLDIERS & AIRMENS ASSOCIATION with the word FATHERS centrally located on a red background. On banner at bottom on a red background - WOMENS AUXILIARY, makers mark on back.Makers mark on back: “K.G. LUKE, MELB”kevin john herdman, sailors soldiers & airmen's fathers association, badge, ww1

The items belonged to Peter James Dodd. “TPI” means “Totally & Permanently Incapacitated”. Refer Cat Log No 2436.2P for his service details..1) Badge RSL with three central figures and crown on top. On the crown is “06” denoting member of the RSL in 2006. Rear has an pin attachment for a jacket. .2) Badge, TPI Association, round central piece with a scroll at the bottom, top has a crown, on the rear is a long pin for Jacket attachment..1) The front has “Returned Sailors, soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia”. On the rear,”36363”. .2) “TPI Association”.badges, membership, associations

Empire Wounded Stripes were introduced in 1916. Each time a soldier was wounded and taken out of the field he was entitled to a stripe. Worn on the left sleeve below the elbow on your uniform These items belonged to Frederick Campbell Moller No 2233 AIF. Refer1661.3, 1663P, 1680.3..1) .2) "Empire Wounded Stripes" metal, base plate with Stripe resembling gold braid fixed by two pins through the plate. .3) Rising Sun collar badge, blackened pressed brass with 2 lugs on rear. .4) RSL Membership badge, metal, enamelled, crown at top with two central figures. .5) Association Badge, 3rd Field Arty Brigade, copper wishbone shape and Field Artillery motif blue & red enamel..1) "Service Wounded Stripe" .2) "The Wounded Stripe" .3) "Australian commonwealth military forces" .4) "Returned Sailors, Soldiers Imperial League of Australia"numismatics - badges - military, metalcraft - brassware, wia, rsl, association

.1) Badge, metal, round with crown on top centre in blue circle is a gold anchor and chain, around outside in red with gold lettering is "Ex Naval Mens Assn of Aust". rear has 2 lugs and is numbered stamped. .2) Badge, metal round with plaque on red back ground. Around outside on blue back ground and scroll "Returned Sailors and Soldiers League Victoria War Service Fund". Numbered badge. .3) Badge, metal round with crown at top. Red Cross in Centre surround by blue circle with "Australian Red Cross Society" Rear has pin clip..1) "10973" .2) "2166"badges, association, naval, red cross

There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. Between 1899 and 1902, around 16,500 Australians served in South Africa during the Boer War. This was the largest international deployment of troops from the Australian Colonies before Australian Federation. Of the 16,500 men who served in South Africa, 606 were killed in action or died of diseases. The Australian War Memorial records that the fighting conditions in South Africa extremely hard on men and horses. Australians fighting in South Africa were doing so as part of Colony based Regiments such as the Victorian Mounted Rifles, New South Wales Lancers, Queensland Mounted Infantry as well as units from the other states. Australians were awarded six Victoria Crosses during the campaign along with many other decorations. In May of 1902 the treaty of Vereeniging was signed officially ending the Boer War. The Boer War is commemorated in many Towns and Cities around Australia. The Lara RSL Sub Branch holds some memorabilia from the Boer War. There is a Union Jack brought back from South Africa by 1229 Trooper Fredrick James Smith. He was a resident of Lara and was a member of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles. It was reported that he carried this flag into battle. The Lara RSL also holds the flag staff of the China, South African and Old Veterans Association. Both these items are of national significance. Both the flag and flag staff were used in marches in Geelong each year until 1916 when Anzac Day commenced. The flag and flag staff were donated to the Lara RSL sub Branch when he joined in 1928. Fredrick James Smith was born at Lara in 1879, the son of Mr/Mrs Smith from Lara. He was a farm hand from Horton Vale, Anakie when he joined F Company of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles at the beginning of February 1901. Two weeks later, he left for South Africa on the 15th February. Before leaving, he purchased the flag from W. Libby & Son Geelong. Frederick Left for South Africa on the 15 February 1901 on the Orient. He saw service between March 1901 - March 1902 in east Transvaal and Natal frontier under the British Major General S. Beatson then Pulteney, including the defeat at Wilmansrust where 18 soldiers were killed and 42 wounded (12th June 1901 - heaviest casualties of any Australian contingent,); and the successful intervention at Onverwacht on the 4th January 1902. The 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles suffered: 36 killed or died of wounds, 13 died of disease of a contingent of 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks and 1099 horses. They returned to Australia on the 26th April 1902 on the Custodian after sailing from Point Natal in South Africa on the 5th April. On his return, Tropper Smith (Saddler Private) joined the South African Soldiers Association of Victoria – Geelong Branch, and after 1928, he joined the Lara RSL. He was buried in Western Cemetery on the 19th June 1968 at the age of 89. Enrolled February 1901 Departed for South Africa on 15 February 1901 Establishment: 46 Officers, 971 Other Ranks with 1099 horses Mobilised at Pretoria: 24 March -- 4 April 1901 Typical company: 1 Captain, 4 Lieutenants, 1 company sergeant-major, 1 company quartermaster-sergeant, 1 sergeant-farrier, 1 sergeant-saddler, 5 sergeants, 6 corporals, 3 shoeing-smiths, 3 saddlers, 1 bugler, 99 privates. Total in company: 126 with 131 horses. Engagements: Rhenoster Kop, Klippan, Kornfontein, Drivelfontein, Wilmansrust, Kambuladraai, H'Lobane, Luchiel's Nek, Loch's Kraal, Vryheid, Onverwacht, Johnston Hoek Killed in action (or died): six Officers, 48 Other Ranks VC Winner: Lieut. L. C. Maygar News article Leader (Melbourne) Saturday 31st May 1902, page 42 - Dear Cinderella. — This is the second time I have written to you. I was very sorry at not seeing my first letter in "The Leader". But I hope to say, that this one will be in. The last time I wrote to you I told you that my brother (Fredrick Smith) went to the Boer War in South Africa, and that he was supposed to be killed in the Wilmansrust disaster. But this time I am going to tell you about his return, and the grand welcome he got from the residents of Lara. Mother, Father, and my Brother, went down to Melbourne, to meet the boat. You can just imagine how rejoiced we all were to see him back again. The railway station was decorated some thing beautiful with flags of all description all the colours you could think of. He has bought a lot of Boer curios home and some Kaffir bracelets. They are such funny looking things. The residents of Lara, also gave my brother a grand social and ball there were over four hundred people present, They presented him with a hand some gold chain, and locket suitably inscribed, and a pair of gold sleeve links, they were magnificent. The ball was very nice. . I had a few dances. I enjoyed myself grand. I think this is all I can tell you this time. I must conclude with love. I remain yours sincerely - BESSIE SMITH. Age 14-years. This flag is of national significance as it was used in the Boer War by Private Fredrick James Smith (SN:1229) of the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles, F Company in their deployment to South Africa between 1901 and 1902. The flag was taken into the Wilmansrust engagement in which 19 soldiers died and 41 were wounded. On return to Australia, the flag was used in marches by the South Africa, China Old Veterans Association - Geelong. This flag represents a unique part of Australian history from which the movie, Breaker Morant was taken. It is of spiritual significance as the Boer War was where the first Australian received the Imperial Victoria Cross, and the spirit of Anzac was conceived, giving birth in World War 1. The Flag represents the spirit of Australians who fought and died in South Africa.Cotton Union Jack flag approx 221cm wide by 109cm tall with small repair patches and center section cotton deteriorated.Has the word "Lara" inscribed in black on bottom part of the flag heading. Has the flag makers name "W.Libby & Son" on the top part of the flag heading.boer war, union jack flag, south africa, wilmansrust, 5th victorian mounted rifles, f coy, private fredrick james smith, service number 1229, february 1901, april 1902, south africa china old veterans association