Plastic fawn, woodgrain framed colour photo of a group of soldiers in polyester uniform returning to Australia. In the foreground are Pte. Ed Shea and GNR Chris Langton.'RTA" 2 September 1971.returning to australia (rta)

The badge design The League’s badge represents a readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades. It can’t be purchased and may only be worn by those who have served their country. The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively.The collection of badges,medallion,issue diary and photograph shows what a soldier who served in WW1, received.It is good that this collection is still intact. Badge awarded to Driver of the 6th Field Ambulance, Malachy Sandy, no 3320,who enlisted March 6th 1915. RTA 14 Jan 1919.Metal badge with crown attached to top of badge.Two folded metal loop(for pin to attach to coat etc), soldered on back of badge. "1919" on crown."Australia" in red scroll along bottom of of badge.Engraved flowers top left and right below crown."Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League" on blue circular background surrounding embossed soldier holding rifles. On the back of badge is : "Copyright / 83978 / Prouds Ltd"sandy, malachy, badge, rsl, imperial, league

Part of the Leo Reoch Cohn Collection. Leo Reoch Cohn served in both World War 0ne and World War Two. He enlisted in the 1st AIF on 6.5.1915, initially in the 22nd battalion (No. 1039), aged 18. Shortly after, on 11.9.1915, he transferred to the 8th LHR and embarked for Egypt on 23.9.1915, serving in both Egypt and Palestine. During that period of service, he transferred to the 1st Australian Light Car Patrol on 8.9.1917. This unit later became the 1st Australian Armoured Car Section. Leo began his return journey to Australia on 16.5.1919. Shortly after his RTA, he was discharged. While on active service overseas, he was hospitalized on a number of occasions due to illness. During World War Two, Leo enlisted in the 21st Battalion VDC (No. V360272) on 18.5.1942 at the age of 44. He was appointed Lieutenant on 25.6.1942. Leo's VDC service was terminated on 31.10. 1945 following the end of World War Two. .1) Tailored khaki woollen officer's dress jacket with silk like fabric lining. Two button-down breast pockets and two button down-side pockets. All buttons are military issue. Unit colour patch on each shoulder (8th ALH). Above the left breast pocket is a World War One trio of medal ribbons. An attached fabric belt has a metal buckle. .2) Light brown cotton drill jodhpurs with button fly. Knee reinforcement pad sewn on the inside of each leg. Button down hip pocket and two side pockets. Belt loops and buttons for braces on the waist band..2) On manufacturer's label: 'Pytchley, MADE IN ENGLAND'. Handwritten in black ink on waistband: 'COHN'.uniform, 8th light horse regiment, leo reoch cohn

William John TURNER served on the Committee of the Bendigo Sub Branch from 1948 - 1951, 1953, 1955 - 1958, he was Jnr Vice President during the 1953 - 1958 years. His fund raising and other positions are well documented in Cat No 8029 re the submission for the Life Membership. William Turner had pre WW1 military service in the 67th BN Bendigo area as a Cpl in the Machine Gun section for 2 years. He enlisted in the AIF No 3627 in the 8th Reinforcements 21st BN age 19 years 6 months on 10.7.1915, embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, transfer to 60th Bn 26.2.1916, promoted Cpl 25.3.1916, embark for France 29.6.1916, WIA 24.4.1918 GSW right wrist, rejoin unit 23.7.1918, promoted Sgt, transfer to 59th Bn 25.9.1918, RTA 15.5.1919, discharged from the AIF 22.8.1919. Certificate framed, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon, certificate has ornate edge, all print in blue and black with a red seal at the bottom RH corner. At the top is R.S.S.A.I.L.A followed by the RSL logo then the details of the person receiving and signed.Main points; “This is to certify that Mr W.J. Turner has been awarded Life membership of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airman’s Imperial League of Australia for services rendered as a member of Bendigo Sub Branch Vic” “Dated Canberra 21st Day of November 1956, ................Federal President J Neagle General Secretary”brsl, smirsl, life membership