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

Handmade timber cut of map of Australia with timber cut out of a kangaroo and emu fixed either side of RSL crest sticker in centre. Most likely made by donor Don Haydon of Peechelba.Shape of Australia handmade in timber with kangaroo and emu either side RSL Crest stickerRSL Australiatimber, map of australia, rsl emblem

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

The document details the life of Warrant Officer Class One Kim Felmingham.Double-sided colour photocopy. One side has a large coloured photo of Kim Felmingham proudly wearing her medals with the title printed above. The other side has the title printed at the top followed by five paragraphs of text filling the page. Both sides have the RSL care SA emblem at the top and a multi-coloured line across the bottom.army nurses, order of australia, royal australian army medical corps, kim felmingham

Items relate to Alfred Charles Jury VX66822. Refer 2080 medals for service details also 2083P..1) Shoulder Badge "Australia" blackened metal with 2 lugs on rear. .2) Badge, "Returned from Active Service", Crown over wings, Rising sun, Anchor, Boomerang, 2 lugs on rear for uniform. .3) Badge, RSL Membership, 3 central figures, "Returned Sailors, Soldiers, Airmans Imperial League of Australia. Clip on top with figure "92" meaning financial member 1992..2) "288601 - Issued by the C'Wealth Govt" .3) "V90347 Property of the League"badges, military, membership

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.

Ernie Jackman. Served on the Committee Bendigo RSL for the years 1961,62 and 1973. Served on the Welfare Sub Committee for 15 years. Welfare Officer for the years 1975 & 78. Organised the distribution of parcels to homes and hospitals at Xmas. Appeals Officer for the years 1960 through to 1994. Chairman of the RSL Memorial Committee.Life Membership Certificate of the RSL Australia, yellow background, RSL Logo at the top, followed by details awarded to "Ernest A Jackman" by the National Executive as a member of the Bendigo Sub Branch, dated "11th Day of September 1986", red seal on RH side, signed by the National President and the National Secretary if Canberra.Main points, "Ernest A Jackman" - Sir William Keys OBE, MC" - Jan J Gollings"brsl, smirsl, eajackman

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. Badge issued to Ian Cardwell 378922 National Service/7 yrs Army ReserveThe 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: 53073 V Property of League. Swann & Hudson Vic. australia, rsl

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

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

Ernest Alfred Jackman acknowledging his 60 years Membership of the RSL. Refer Cat No 8278 for his RSL Service history..1) Certificate letter, A4, at the top RSL logo followed by details of the Vic Branch in Melbourne. Letter is dated, address of recipient followed by text typed re 60 years of RSL Membership and signed by the Victorian President. .2) Certificate A4 colour, RSL Logo at the top followed by the recognition of 60 years membership of the RSL Australia, signed at the bottom, signed with a red seal on the RH side..1) Letter main points, "Dear Ernest" - Re 60 years RSL Membership - David J McLachlan Major Gen (Retd) .2) Main points, "Awarded to Ernest Jackman" - Signed by "David Mclachlan" - Date, "24th November 2008"brsl, smirsl, eajackman