The Returned and Services League of Australia (often abbreviated to RSL) is a support organisation for men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It was formed as the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia in 1916, became the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmens Imperial League of Australia in 1940, and became the Returned Services League of Australia in 1965. The change to its current name was made in 1990 to reflect the organisation's concern for current as well as former servicemen and servicewomen. The patron of the RSL is Queen Elizabeth II. The current National President of the League is Rear Admiral Ken Doolan, AO RAN (rtd).[2] As of 31 December 2009, the League comprised 186,652 members from 1,306 sub-branches and 5,533 members of the League's women's auxiliary from 381 sub-branches. Membership levels have been declining for at least ten years http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Returned_and_Services_League_of_AustraliaWooden Plaque 15cm x 13cmRSL Australia

RSL Australia Plaque"Returned Services League/Australia"

John Kerr Barnes. Life Membership is a nomination by the Sub - Branch. Jack as known was first elected to the Committee of the Bendigo Sub - Branch in 1955 and held that position until he was elected to the position of Secretary in 1964 and held that till he retired in 2005 (43 years) the entire time he did this from the Soldiers Memorial Institute which was the HQ of the Bendigo Sub Branch. He then became a Museum guide at the Soldiers Memorial Institute until his death in 2011. He was also involved in fund raising particularly the stall they had at the Bendigo Show and the Melbourne Cup sweep the Branch had. He was also awarded a Life Membership with Gold badge 1988, Meritorious Service Medal 1989 (Highest award in the RSL), RSL Licensed Sub - Branch Hall of Fame 2002, State certificate of Appreciation 2006. He is the highest awarded member of the Bendigo Branch. Jack initially enlisted as V25001 in the CMF then transferred to the AIF as VX116316 at age 19 years on 25.2.1941. At discharge from the Army on 12.6.1946 he held the rank of Pte in 2/1st Australian Motor Ambulance Convoy W/shops.Certificate framed, frame is timber light brown colour, certificate is yellow colour with gold RSL logo at the top followed by details of the award of "Life Membership" of the National Branch of the RSL Australia, all print in black, signed and red seal at RH side bottom."Life Membership has been awarded to Mr J.K. Barnes - Bendigo Sub Branch (Vic)" "Dated at Canberra - eleventh - September 1969" Signed "A.J. Lee" National President. Signed "A.G. Kiyl" (?) National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member

In clear plastic case - "Commemorating 75 Years of Dedicated Service to the Community" "1916-1991"souvenirs, ballarat rsl, ballarat

The Certificate relates to The Bendigo RSL/Bendigo District RSL being 100 years old on 28th September 2016. The certificate talks about the Objects of the League and changes over the years. The League itself was formed in 1916. Refer Cat No’s 8000.2, 8019, 8020, 8073P. This item is on display in the Foyer entrance to the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc Havilah Road.Framed Certificate, frame is light brown timber, certificate has a white overlay, the certificate is white background with all print in black, there is a faint background section of the RSL Badge in colour on the left hand side, bottom RH side is a red seal. Certificate is signed and dated.Main heading is, “The Returned & Services League of Australia”. Signed by the National President of the RSL, “Greg Melick AO - 13 April 2021”brsl, smirsl, bdrslinc, certificate, 100 years

Produced as part of Australian Remembers Commemoration.Miniature medals displayed on dark cardboard background surrounded by silver coloured plastic frame.Printed top centre: “Decorations, Campaign and Service Medals. Awarded to Australians”passchendaele barracks trust, medals, awards

John Kerr Barnes. This award is "Life Membership with Gold Badge" a nomination by the Sate President of the RSL (Vic) Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Bendigo Sub - Branch plus his WW2 service.Certificate of Life Membership framed, frame is brown timber, certificate backing is green, certificate yellow colour with gold RSL Logo at the top with "Life Member" under followed by details of the award to "John K Barnes". All print in black, signed in black with a red seal at RH side bottom. A small card insert is at the base coloured with "Presented by"."Life Membership awarded to John K Barnes by the National Executive of the RSL of Australia" Dated "Canberra this sixth day of July 1988" Signed "W Keys" National President. Signed "J.J. Gollings" National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member, gold badge

Showing RSL Badges 1915 - 1971photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

Shape of Australia handmade in timber with kangaroo and emu either side RSL Crest stickerRSL Australia

Leslie William Cole was born on 31 January 1920 in Albury, the first child of William James Cole and Gwendoline Fair. Les spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents in Bethanga, Victoria. In 1934 when he finished school, Les moved into Wodonga. His first job was at Mates Timber Yard. He later worked for Mylons of Wodonga driving taxis and buses. In 1939 after completing militia training, Les applied to enlist with the RAAF and eventually trained as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was posted to the 6th Squadron, serving in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Goodenough Island before returning to the RAAF base in Sale, Victoria. On discharge. Les returned to Wodonga and resumed working with Mylons. After a range of jobs, Les and his wife Lorna operated a shop in Ariel Street, Wodonga. In the community, Les was a founding member of Wodonga Lions Club. He also joined the Civil Defence which was a predecessor off the SES. He became the Communications Officer and trained other members. Les became the first Controller of the Wodonga Branch of the State Emergency Service, a position he held for 17 years. The new SES headquarters was named in his honour. In retirement he also worked as a Volunteer Community Driver. Les was also named Wodonga Citizen of the Year in 1984. Les continued living in Wodonga until the age of 103 in 2023, when he moved to Melbourne to be closer to his children. He passed away on 12 December 2023. This torch was part of a collection of items donated to Wodonga Historical Society by Les Cole. The RSL emblem on this item was first introduced in 1990.A small tin containing an aluminium torch and 2 batteries in foam packing. The emblem of the Australian Returned Services League is etched on the lid. On side of torch: RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE AUSTRALIArsl australia, memorabilia

One of the most important and successful attacks on merchant ships inside an enemy harbour during world war two by English and Australian Commandoes or Special Unit Forces, launched from Australia. Nil deaths by the Commandoes were recorded, and 40000 tons of enemy ships were damaged or destroyed. To enlighten RSL Members and the public, the history of the MV Krait and the importance of our Military History. The newsletter has a typed story and pictures of members of M and Z Special Force. Krait took a small force on one of its missions and they sank about 38,000 tons of Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour in 1943. The newsletters front page has pink large writng on a white background. The word Krait and a photo of it on the Brisbane River. The newsletter is 4 pages with a photo of the men on board on page 2. Page 3 has another photo of the Krait. It is on loan from Mr.Jim Muir, world war two, pamphlet, short story, mv krait, motor vessel, singapore, singapore harbour, 1943

Presentation to A J quick( sec.of the Lara RSL).Receiving the Meritorious Medal of the RSL of Australia.Rectangular shaped glass covered picture frame with photo of presentationPresentation of Meritorious Service Medal to Alan Quickpresentation photo., alan j quick, lara r.s.l., meritorious medal of the rsl of australia.

A certificate of recognition of membership of the RSL Queensland Branch on the 90th Anniversary of the RSL in Australia. Signed by the State President, Deputy President and State SecretaryRecognises William Kelly

Worn by Robert Lawson Promoted to Petty Officer Engineering (MTP) 1979This uniform was worn by Bob Lawson. Bob is a member of Lara RSL, and this uniform is representative of his service in the Royal Australian Navy.Dark blue jacket with brass buttons and a rank bar on the left breast. Chevrons and insignia on the left arm.lara, rsl, military, war, australia, navy

Worn by Robert Lawson Promoted to Petty Officer Engineering (MTP) 1979This uniform was worn by Bob Lawson. Bob is a member of Lara RSL, and this uniform is representative of his service in the Royal Australian Navy.Dark blue trousers with brass buttons. Has a large tear in the seat.lara, rsl, military, war, australia, navy

Worn by Robert Lawson Promoted to Petty Officer Engineering (MTP) 1979This uniform was worn by Bob Lawson. Bob is a member of Lara RSL, and this uniform is representative of his service in the Royal Australian Navy.Polished black men's dress shoes with black laces.lara, rsl, military, war, australia, navy

Worn by Robert Lawson Promoted to Petty Officer Engineering (MTP) 1979This uniform was worn by Bob Lawson. Bob is a member of Lara RSL, and this uniform is representative of his service in the Royal Australian Navy.White cotton button up dress shirt.lara, rsl, military, war, australia, navy

Worn by Robert Lawson Promoted to Petty Officer Engineering (MTP) 1979This uniform was worn by Bob Lawson. Bob is a member of Lara RSL, and this uniform is representative of his service in the Royal Australian Navy.Black cotton tie. lara, rsl, military, war, australia, navy

Worn by Robert Lawson Promoted to Petty Officer Engineering (MTP) 1979This uniform was worn by Bob Lawson. Bob is a member of Lara RSL, and this uniform is representative of his service in the Royal Australian Navy.Two grey grey cotton socks. lara, rsl, military, war, australia, navy

The handbook was distributed to all ex-servicemen on return from WW2 in the Geelong area and was a guide to civil life.This booklet for returned service personnel from World War 2 living in the Geelong Region is og local district significance as a part of the history of Geelong.The Road Back -two of The Ex-Serviceman's Handbooks,1947/ 1950 Geelong Issued Free.One is Light green in colour with black writingThe Road Back The Ex-Serviceman's Handbook Geelong.the road back, the ex-serviceman's handbook, world war 2, ww2, australian aif, australian serviceman, australian servicewoman, rss&aila, army, navy, air force, returned sailor's, soldier's and airmen's imperial league of australia, rsl

Thesis done by Ambrose Thomas Crowe for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.This thesis addresses the predicament many veterans found themselves in some years after their return to Australia after fighting the Vietnam War (1962-1973)vietnam war - 1961-1975, vietnam war, 1961 - 1975 -- veterans -- australia, department of veterans affairs (dva), returned services league of australia (rsl), agent orange - tboxicology, conscription - australia

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 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. Gold badge with white on outside, crown on top, blue circle in the middle with gold in centre, Has red banner at bottom.On front: 97 in crown. Returned Services League. Australia. On back: Badge remains property of League. Brim Melb. Vic. 18915australia, rsl, badge

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. Badge issued to 3978 Private Wilfred FITTON born in Lancashire England, enlisted in the AIF in Melbourne on 28/7/1915. Served with the 5th Battalion 12/5 Rein.Embarked 23/11/1915 and was discharged on 6/7/1920. Post war worked for the Victorian Railways and lived at Tarrawingee.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. Gold badge with crown on top, blue circle in the middle with image in gold centre, red banner at bottom surrounded in white enamel. Coat lapel pin attached.On front: Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen Imperial League Australia On back: 48257 V Property of League. Swann & Hudson Vic. australia, rsl, private wilfred fitton, 5th battalion, ww1

Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of WO2 Ray Simpson VC DCM of the Australian Army Training Team (AATTV) receives life membership to the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL), from an Australian Embassy official at the Embassy in the Caravelle Hotel, Saigon, while Maj Gen R. A. Hay looks on.photograph, wo 2 ray simpson, victoria cross, aattv, returned services league (rsl), dcm, saigon, maj gen hay, australian embassy, gibbons collection catalogue, life membership, caravelle hotel, denis gibbons, australian army training team vietnam (aattv)

This Plate was commissioned by the RSL of Australia to9 commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the ANZAC Troops Landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.The item is an original, theIssue Number is 562A round plate, cream colour, a picture of Gallipoli Peninsula in the centre and smaller pictures round the ende of the plate. The flags of Australia and New Zealand at the top of the plate.on the front of the plate 1915 to 1990, Landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. On the back of the plate - This limited edition collector's plate was commissioned by the Returned and Services League of Australia to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the ANZAC Troops landing at Gallipoli on the 25 April 1915. Signature of Brigadier A B Garland AM (RL) Issue Number 562 gallipoli, diamond jubilee plate

Local RSLs will raise funds to help veterans on this centenary of the foundation of the RSL movement in Australia.News clipping, black text, colour image.returned services league, anzac day

A framed certificate given to Melbourne Legacy from the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) as a gesture of appreciation, for research into the Australian Spirit project in 1990. Both Legacy and the Returned and Services League (RSL) often combine together on projects of mutual interest.Glass surrounded by metal frame, colour gold. Grey background, changing from light grey at top to dark grey at bottom. Top left hand corner, globe featuring the Australian continent in yellow. Centre left, Legacy symbol. Centre right R.S.L badge. Bottom, in yellow, adults and children portrayed with arms upraised. One adult waving the Australian flag. Printing in white, black and yellow.Top:- in yellow print, The Australian Spirit. White globe, yellow continent of Australia. In white .Our Country . Our Achievments . Our Pride Centre :- Presented to Melbourne Legacy Club with appreciation for your generous support December 1990 Legacy symbol Signature of Chairman Legacy Co-Ordinating Council Signature National President, Returned Services League RSL symbol. In black type. Bottom:- Adult and child figures in yellow. One adult waving Australian Flag A Reseach Project into Australian Achievments, in white print. rsl, recognition