Showing 65 items matching signal companies
-
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Postcard, 1918
... signal companies... was part of the 5th Australian Division Signals Company. Therefore... was part of the 5th Australian Division Signals Company. Therefore ...It is believed that the photograph on the obverse side of the postcard was taken in 1918. Depicted are ten Australian male soldiers. Their names are transcribed in pencil on the reverse side of the postcard. Each soldier is dressed in a formal military uniform. It is believed that these soldiers were part of The Australian Imperial Force during World War I. This can be inferred by the chevron rank insignia visible on the uniforms of nine of ten men. The placement of this insignia on the sleeves of their right arms suggests that they were either Warrant Officers or Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO). Specifically, the number of chevron stripes - here, nine men have three - are believed to signify a Corporal rank. The men pictured on this postcard are also wearing 'Rising Sun' collar badges on their coats. Australia, unlike most other Commonwealth countries, did not adopt metal regimental badges during the First World War. All units were issued with the Australian Army General Service Badge, better known as the 'Rising Sun’ badge. This insignia is almost always identified with the Australian Imperial Force. Another characteristic of the Australian Imperial Force uniform are the rectangular colour patches worn by all men on this postcard. In March 1915, a new scheme of unit identification was devised to replace the wearing of unit titles. This consisted of cloth colour patches on the upper arms of a soldier’s tunic. The black and white nature of the record means that we cannot establish which battalion these soldiers were part of. However, one of the handwritten signatures on the reverse side of the postcard reads "W.A. Griggs". This was the signature of Sergeant William Archibald Griggs. Further research shows that Griggs was part of the 5th Australian Division Signals Company. Therefore, it is believed these soldiers were part of the ANZAC Signal Companies. The main role of the Signal Companies during World War I was the laying and maintenance of telephone cables and switchboards, used to connect various units in their area. Furthermore, the man standing in the back row, third from the left side, has an Overseas Service chevron patch on his coat. In January 1918, the Australian Imperial Force approved the wearing of the overseas service chevrons which had been adopted by the British Army. These were embroidered or woven inverted chevrons worn above the cuff on the right arm. Due to a shortage of supply, some men had chevrons privately made. For each year of war service, a blue chevron was awarded, and those men who had embarked in 1914 received a red chevron to indicate that year’s service; however, the black and white nature of the postcard makes it difficult to determine what colours are on this man's patch.The record is historically significant due to its connection to World War I. This conflict is integral to Australian culture as it was the single greatest loss of life and the greatest repatriation of casualties in the country's history. Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when the Australian government established the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1914. Immediately, men were recruited to serve the British Empire in the Middle East and on the Western Front. The first significant Australian action of the war was the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force’s (ANMEF) landing on Rabaul on 11 September 1914. The ANMEF took possession of German New Guinea at Toma on 17 September 1914 and of the neighbouring islands of the Bismarck Archipelago in October 1914. On 25 April 1915, members of the AIF landed on Gallipoli in Turkey with troops from New Zealand, Britain, and France. This specific event holds very strong significance within Australian history. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing public and scholarly interest in war, history, and especially the ANZAC legend, which is commemorated annually on 25 April, known as ANZAC Day.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on paper.Obverse: Oh 'Serg!' / Reverse: CARTE POSTALE / 6537 / Correspondance / Adresse / w.a. Grigg / J. Fain / Ruckling / R.J Farrar / (?) / Clarke / L (?) / GFFisher / R. M. Forrest / With Compliments / Sgt's Mess / November 1918 /military album, army, aif, uniform, military, wwi, world war i, rising sun badge, william archibald griggs, anzac, signal companies, postcard, patches, chevron -
Chiltern Athenaeum Trust
Photograph, 1915-1920
... Martin. Served with 1st Division Signals Company. ... and served in Europe as a Sapper with the First Division Signals... with the First Division Signals Company. He returned to Australia on May ...WW1 soldier who served in The Great War from 1915 to 1920. Resident of Chiltern. Son of Will Martin and Christina Campbell Martin. Served with 1st Division Signals Company. WW1 history 1915-1920.Black and white photograph of WW1 soldier Sapper John Ewan Campbell MARTIN, born in Chiltern 1890. He served with 1st Division Signals from 1915 to 1919. Caption under the photograph reads : John Ewan Campbell Martin. "Campbell" : was born in Chiltern in 1890, the son of Will Martin and Christina Campbell. He enlisted on November 10, 1915 and served in Europe as a Sapper with the First Division Signals Company. He returned to Australia on May 20, 1919. ww1, john ewan campbell martin, chiltern resident -
RSL Victoria - Anzac House Reference Library and Memorabilia Collection
Diary of Herbert Newton Lowe, Herbert Newton Lowe, March 1917 to February 1918
... 3 divisional signal company... Divisional Signal Company, Reinforcement 1 Wireless Section)..... WW1 diary of Herbert Lowe (3rd Divisional Signal Company ...Diary covers the period from 9 March 1917 to 10 February 1918 on the Western Front. Lowe was later (Aug 1918) to be awarded the Military Medal for his actions on the Somme. Military Medal 'On the 11th/12th August, 1918, during operations on the SOMME, near PROYART, this man, just previous to the attack showed great devotion to duty in laying and maintaining alternative routes up to the front line, and after the attack had commenced he acted as linesmen, and throughout the operation, during which the lines were cut on several occasions, he went out under heavy shell and machine gun fire and repair the lines thereby enabling communication to be maintained and valuable information reaching Headquarters without delay. His splendid example inspired his comrades to volunteer to continue this most important work should he become a casualty.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: 23 May 1919Black, softcovered notebook. WW1 diary of Herbert Lowe (3rd Divisional Signal Company, Reinforcement 1 Wireless Section).ww1, western front, diaries, herbert newton lowe, 3 divisional signal company -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Document - Photocopy, R Selwyn Harvey, Letter from General Railway Signal Company, Rochester, NY, May 1997
... Signal Company, Rochester, NY... R. Selwyn Harvey: Letter from General Railway Signal Company..., Letter from General Railway Signal Company, Rochester, NY ...From packet of A3 photocopies of items 1927-1940 concerning R. Selwyn Harvey: Letter from General Railway Signal Company, Rochester, New York 1930transport - railways, engineering, crimes and misdemeanours, r selwyn harvey -
RSL Victoria - Anzac House Reference Library and Memorabilia Collection
Diary of Alfred Miller Baud, Alfred Miller Baud, November 1915 to January 1918
... 3 divisional signal company... Baud (1852 - 3rd Divisional Signal Company, Section 3). Also... 3 divisional signal company alfred miller baud 55 battery ...Departed Melbourne HMAT Ascanius 10 November 1915. Diary continues until January 1918, covering North Africa and European operations. Letter from Captain of Ascanius thanking Baud for his onboard assistance in the Wireless department.Small pocket diary in brown leather wallet. Diary of Alfred Baud (1852 - 3rd Divisional Signal Company, Section 3). Also coverless notebook with notes of history of 55th Battery.ww1, diaries, 3 divisional signal company, alfred miller baud, 55 battery -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Medal - Neil WWI
... Division Signal Company.... Sapper S W Neil 2nd Division Signal Company. Sapper Stanley ...Sapper Stanley Matthew Neil Pavletich served as Stanley Matthew Neil.Two World War One medals: British War Medal 1914-1918 and Victory Medal awarded to Regimental No 5893 Sapper S W Neil 2nd Division Signal Company.pavletich, neil, wwi, world war one -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Citation, Military Medal
... Signal Company 1st Australian Division... Infantry Battalion attached 1st Australian Divisional Signal ...During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuous gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. While in the performance of his duty his leg was shot away. He however completed his task. It was largely due to this man's effort that good communication was maintained. Private Sandow died of wounds on 22 September 1917 and was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Cream coloured citation with Australian Coat of Arms above black type contained in black border.Military Medal 1120 Private Roy Llewellyn Sandow 5th Australian Infantry Battalion attached 1st Australian Divisional Signal Company 1st Australian Divisionroy llewellyn sandow, polygon wood, belgium, 1917, ww1, 5th australian infantry battalion -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - GALLIPOLI BOOK, Scholastic Australia Pty Ltd, Gallipoli. My Australian Story, This edition 2017
... 1st Div Signal Company.... and Clifford Claudias Schroder 1st Div Signal Company. Books military ...Juvenile fiction, diary of a 14 year old soldier to land at ANZAC Cove 25th April 1915. The book is dedicated to the Fighting 10th/1st AIF, 3rd brigade and Clifford Claudias Schroder 1st Div Signal Company.Book, soft cover cardboard, dark green and black print on front, spine and back covers, front cover illustrated B & W photograph of “Troops landing at Gallipoli Cove Gallipoli 1915”, back cover has small black silhouette of a slouch hat.books military, history, juvenile fiction, ww! -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, SOLDIERS PAY
... embarked on 27.10.1915. Posted to a Signals Company he was attached... embarked on 27.10.1915. Posted to a Signals Company he was attached ...Archibald Clarkson Jones enlisted in the AIF aged 20 years on the 17.7.1915. No 2672 6th Reinforcements to the 23rd Battalian AIF. He embarked on 27.10.1915. Posted to a Signals Company he was attached to various differant units in the field. He was discharged from the AIF on 29.7.1919. Refer 1040 medals.Soldiers Pay book for Archibald Clarkson Jones 5th Division Signals. Army No 2672A Jones ACdocuments - records, militray history - army -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post WW1
... , embarked for Eygpt on 27.10.1915. He was attached to several Signal... to several Signal Companys namely 5th Div Sigs, promoted Cpl 6.6.16 ...Archibald Clarkson Jones enlisted on 17.7.1915 aged 20 years 6 months, No 2672 6th Reinforcements 23rd Battalian AIF, embarked for Eygpt on 27.10.1915. He was attached to several Signal Companys namely 5th Div Sigs, promoted Cpl 6.6.16, embarked for France 17.6.16, promoted Sgt 9.10.17, discharged from the AIF on 29.7.1919.Medal set,Court mounted, set of (3) re A.C Jones. 1. 1914-15 Star. 2. War Medal 1914-19. 3. Victory Medal.1. "2672. PTE. A.C.JONES 23 BN A.I.F." 2 & 3. "2672 SGT A.C JONES 23 BN A.I.F"2672, a.c.jones, 23rd btn, aif, medal set -
Orbost & District Historical Society
Photograph - black and white photograph, Albert Maddern
... , France 11/3/1919, 3rd Division Signal Company, World War I... identified as Albert Maddern, France 11/3/1919, 3rd Division Signal ...The seated man has been identified as Albert Maddern, France 11/3/1919, 3rd Division Signal Company, World War I. This is a studio photograph of Albert Maddern (Orbost) and another soldier. The name of A W W Maddern is inscribed on the W W I Orbost Roll of Honour of those who served from this district in W W I. A photograph of an Orbost man who served in W W I.A b/w photograph H-21.8cm W-15.2cm of two men in military uniforms, one man seated, the other man standing. world war i, albert maddern -
Bendigo Military Museum
Literary work - BOOK, Jan Andrews, The WW1 Service of William F.P. Andrews
... , 3rd Div AIF and 3rd Div Signals Company AIF. He enlisted... AIF and 3rd Div Signals Company AIF. He enlisted on 27.3.1916 ...The World War 1 service of William.F.P.Andrews 38th Batt, 3rd Div AIF and 3rd Div Signals Company AIF. He enlisted on 27.3.1916, No 57, age 19 years 6 months in the 38th Batt HQ, embark for England 20.6.1916, embark for France 22.11.1916, hospital 16.12.1916 with Bronchitis, rejoin unit 23.12.1916, transfer to 3rd Div Signals 25.4.1917, hospital 11.1.1918 with Influenza, rejoin unit 23.1.1918, hospital 20.5.1918 with Impetigo/Dermatitis, rejoin unit 12.7.1918, discharged from the AIF 12.12.1919.Book, spiral bound with black metal, cover cardboard black print and illustrated in sepia tone of a soldier in uniform, rear cover has a postcard photo, 101 pages, plain white paper, illustrated B & W and colour, diagrams, maps and photo of medals.books, 38th batt aif, world war 1 service -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - RIBBONS, c.1914-1950
... and 2nd AIF. Enlisted on 27.1.1916 No 10594 in Div Signal Company... AIF. Enlisted on 27.1.1916 No 10594 in Div Signal Company 3 ...The Service Ribbons relate to Benjamin Thomas Roy Chadd 1st and 2nd AIF. Enlisted on 27.1.1916 No 10594 in Div Signal Company 3 age 20 years. Embarked for overseas 27.5.1916. As a driver in Signals he was WIA on 4.6.1918 GSW to right thigh. Discharged from the AIF on 14.6.1919. At some point he enlisted in the Peace time Army and was promoted to Lieut 3rd Div Signals on 1.7.1921, promoted Major 19.2.1929, to Command 2nd Div Sigs 9.9.1936, 3rd Div Sigs 5.5.1939 then to 7th Div Sigs as Lt Col and transfers to the AIF as VX20311, serves in the Middle East, Syria and Pacific. Discharged from the Army on 9.1.1946 with the rank of Colonel. Refer 2034P.Service Ribbons set WWI & WWII mounted on green cardboard backing re BTR CHADD Top row: 1. War Medal 1914-19. 2. Victory Medal 3. 1939-45 Star 4. Africa Star Bottom Row: 1. Pacific Star 2. War Medal 1939-45 with oak leaf clasp 'MID' 3. Australian Service Medal 4. Efficiency Decorationmanchester-trimmings, military history -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Book, Nachod and United States Signal Co, "Nachod Signals", c1918
... at the same time. Indicates that the Nachod and US Signal Company... at the same time. Indicates that the Nachod and US Signal Company had ...Sixteen page book with brown paper covers in addition. Pages printed on art paper with a red overprint on some pages. Titled "Nachod Signals", published by the Nachod and United States Signal Co. Inc, successors to Nachod Signal Co of Louisville Kentucky. Has a list of dates on page 2, of patents, the last being 5/2/1918. Has on the bottom of most pages "Nachod Spells Safety" Details the Nachod signals system, type CD with the details of the operation, elements of the system, signal layout, installation and wiring, trolley Contactors, signal aspects, relays, assembly on poles, ordering information, fuses, special designs and modifications, information in ordering, quantity and list of material, and specification details of the Type P on the last three pages. See also Reg Item 3318 for another US company system, received by ESCo at the same time. Indicates that the Nachod and US Signal Company had merged.On top of page 1 "Ballarat Tramway Preservation Society Catalogue No. 3" in black ink and overstamped ESCO's date stamp of 4 Nov. 1926. On page 2 at bottom :"Nachod and United States Signal Co. Inc successors to" has been overstamped. trams, tramways, signals, railways, tramways -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Medal
... Corporal number 32 with the First Divisional Signals Company. He... number 32 with the First Divisional Signals Company. He served ...Title Peace of 1919 medalet issued to Australian schoolchildren Object type Medalet Place made Australia: Victoria, Melbourne Date made 1919 Summary Designed by C Douglas Richardson, 'The Peace of 1919' medalet was issued by the Defence Department to school children throughout Australia to commemorate the signing of the Versailles Peace Treaty in 1919. The medals were originally suspended from a narrow piece of red, white and blue striped cotton ribbon. This medalet is associated with one of the children of Lance Corporal Giles Daniel, 1st AIF. Born in Ballarat, western Victoria on 16 December 1870, Giles Felix Daniel moved to Oakleigh, Victoria aged 15. A member of the Victorian permanent forces, he served as a corporal (regimental number 8) with the First Victorian Mounted Infantry Company, part of the first Victorian Contingent to the war in South Africa in 1899. This unit was one of the first Australian formations to see action during the Boer War. It was largely drawn from serving members of the Victorian forces. Demoted to private following a Court Martial on 19 November 1900, Daniel returned to Australia in December of the same year. During the First World War, he was again one of the first to enlist, joining the AIF on 19 August 1914, and becoming Lance Corporal number 32 with the First Divisional Signals Company. He served with this unit during the Gallipoli campaign and until his return to Australia on 11 April 1916. Silver-plated brass Circular medalet with a plain edge and integral suspension loop. The obverse features a symbolic female figure of Peace, holding a sword and standing on a plinth marked 'PEACE 1919'. Behind her flies a dove, and at her left and right feet are two figures freed from their shackles. The reverse features a central panel surrounded by laurel leaves, surmounted by the King's Crown with the word 'VICTORY' over the rays of the rising sun. A sailor and a digger stand at ease on either side of the panel on which is cast 'THE / TRIUMPH / OF / LIBERTY / AND / JUSTICE'. Below the leaves is a very small panel with the words 'THE PEACE OF 1919' and the manufacturer's name.peace medal 1919 -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, Diary of 138 Spr. R Garford M.M. Battalion and Div.Sig.Coy A.I.F
... was a sapper with the 2nd Divisional Signal Company. He was awarded... 1914. He was a sapper with the 2nd Divisional Signal Company ...By arrangment with local and family history librarian, Myra Dowling, this diary was transcribed by Sandra Dexter from the original, which was donated to the City of Boroondara Library Service following the Boroondara Remembers project in 2015. It is a day-to-day account of a soldier's experience going to fight in World War 1, 1914-1919. Robert Thomas Garford (SERN 1138) was born in Fitzroy in 1892. He was aged 23 and living in Camberwell when he enlisted on 14 September 1914. He embarked from Melbourne on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 22 December 1914. He was a sapper with the 2nd Divisional Signal Company. He was awarded a Military Medal: 'At CLERY, near MT.ST. QUENTIN, on the 31st of August 1918, this soldier was engaged as a linesman at the Brigade Forward Station. Throughout the day forward lines were repeatedly broken by enemy shell fire. Despite this Sapper FARFORD [sic], with very conspicuous coolness patrolled the lines from end to end repairing one break after another. His untiring efforts were responsible for the constant maintenance of communications from the Brigade Station to the Battalions.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115, 10 October 1919. He returned to Australia 3 December 1918. He married Annie Christina Devine in 1941. They lived at 16 York Street, Surrey Hills and later 17 Blackburn Street, Surrey Hills. He died 30 May 1969 at Surrey Hills and is buried in Box Hill Cemetery: P-A-0054.A day to day account of a soldier's experience going to fight in World War 1, 1914-1919world war, 1914-1918, diaries and journals, (mr) (sapper) r garford, box hill cemetery, robert thomas garford -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Joseph W Cairnduff, 1914
... was given the rank of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1... was given the rank of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1 ...Joseph William Cairnduff (1876-1929) was born in Hobart, Tasmania. He married Ann Walker in 1900. When he enlisted on 19 August 1914 he was given SERN 4. At the time he was living at 'Tyne', 96 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills. He was 5'5", 38 years old and employed as a civil servant. He had served for 5 years in the Senior Cadets and 3 years in the Australian Signallers. He was given the rank of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1 and embarked for Egypt from Melbourne on board HMAT A10 Karroo on 20 October 1914. Surviving service on Gallipoli and the Western Front, he returned to Melbourne leaving on board HT 'Wiltshire', 12 November 1916. He was discharged medically unfit. Joseph and Ann had a large family before he left for WW1: Ann Mary b.1901; James William Cotter b. 1903; Mathew Norman Banks b. 1904; Doris Jean b.1906; Claude James b, 1908; Elsie Edna b. 1910; Clive Bruce b. 1912 and Gladys Janet b. 1914. After his return he and Ann had more 2 daughters - Sylvia McLaren b. 1917 and Mavis Morley b. 1918, who commenced at Chatham Primary School in 1927 and 1928 respectively. Joseph and Ann are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-NS-0492). Joseph's twin brother, James Banks Cairnduff (SERN 571) also served in the AIF and is also buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-NS-0003). A studio portrait of a soldier in AIF uniform and a peaked cap. He is short and is standing with one arm straight and the other bend. He is holding what looks like a whip in the hand of the bent arm.In the hand of the donor: "1914" in ink in top RH corner. The centre: "Joseph W. Cairnduff / Before leaving for overseas / in 1914, firstly to Egypt / then Gallipoli, then Western / Front."joseph william cairnduff, first world war, signals company, guildford road, 'tyne', (miss) ann walker, (mrs) ann cairnduff, (mrs) mavis good -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Joseph W Cairnduff in trenches on Gallipoli, 1915
... was given the rank of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1... of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1 and embarked for Egypt ...Joseph William Cairnduff (1876-1929) was born in Hobart, Tasmania. He married Ann Walker in 1900. When he enlisted on 19 August 1914 he was given SERN 4. At the time he was living at 'Tyne', 96 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills. He was 5'5", 38 years old and employed as a civil servant. He had served for 5 years in the Senior Cadets and 3 years in the Australian Signallers. He was given the rank of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1 and embarked for Egypt from Melbourne on board HMAT A10 Karroo on 20 October 1914. Joseph was on Gallipoli from 5/4/1915; he proceeded from there to Alexandria on 24/10/1915. Surviving service on Gallipoli and the Western Front, he returned to Melbourne leaving on board HT 'Wiltshire', 12 November 1916. He was discharged medically unfit. Joseph and Ann had a large family before he left for WW1: Ann Mary b.1901; James William Cotter b. 1903; Mathew Norman Banks b. 1904; Doris Jean b.1906; Claude James b, 1908; Elsie Edna b. 1910; Clive Bruce b. 1912 and Gladys Janet b. 1914. After his return he and Ann had more 2 daughters - Sylvia McLaren b. 1917 and Mavis Morley b. 1918, who commenced at Chatham Primary School in 1927 and 1928 respectively. Joseph and Ann are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-NS-0492). Joseph's twin brother, James Banks Cairnduff (SERN 571) also served in the AIF and is also buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-NS-0003). A black and white photo of a group of 2 Australian soldiers sitting on wooden boxes under a slatted wooden low roof. They are at work on equipment of some kind. In the background are shelves with stores including a roll of cording and other materials in tins and boxes.On the rear in the hand of the donor: ""Repairing telephones / in Gallipoli" (in trench) / Dad on the left"joseph william cairnduff, first world war, signals company, guildford road, 'tyne', (miss) ann walker,, (mrs) ann walker, (mrs) mavis good, gallipoli, trenches -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Photograph, Joseph W Cairnduff in Egypt, 1916
... was given the rank of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1... of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1 and embarked for Egypt ...Joseph William Cairnduff (1876-1929) was born in Hobart, Tasmania. He married Ann Walker in 1900. When he enlisted on 19 August 1914 he was given SERN 4. At the time he was living at 'Tyne', 96 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills. He was 5'5", 38 years old and employed as a civil servant. He had served for 5 years in the Senior Cadets and 3 years in the Australian Signallers. He was given the rank of sergeant in the Divisional Signal Company 1 and embarked for Egypt from Melbourne on board HMAT A10 Karroo on 20 October 1914. Joseph was in Egypt from 24/10/1915 to 17/6/1916, but only in Giza from 21/02/1916 to 6/03/1916. Surviving service on Gallipoli and the Western Front, he returned to Melbourne leaving on board HT 'Wiltshire', 12 November 1916. He was discharged medically unfit. Joseph and Ann had a large family before he left for WW1: Ann Mary b.1901; James William Cotter b. 1903; Mathew Norman Banks b. 1904; Doris Jean b.1906; Claude James b, 1908; Elsie Edna b. 1910; Clive Bruce b. 1912 and Gladys Janet b. 1914. After his return he and Ann had more 2 daughters - Sylvia McLaren b. 1917 and Mavis Morley b. 1918, who commenced at Chatham Primary School in 1927 and 1928 respectively. Joseph and Ann are buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-NS-0492). Joseph's twin brother, James Banks Cairnduff (SERN 571) also served in the AIF and is also buried in Box Hill Cemetery (M-NS-0003). A black and white photo of a group of 7 Australian soldiers and 2 Egyptians gathered around a pole. The context is not able to be discerned. One of the soldiers is marked with an 'X' and is smoking a pipe. He has a cap-like object on his head. The other soldiers are wearing slouch hats. The Egyptians are dressed in long white garments and are wearing turbans.On the rear in the hand of the donor: "Dad had written on the original (photo) / "The 1st and only Telegraph ffice / erected on the top of the Pyramids, / it was erected by me during our / sojourn in Egypt"joseph william cairnduff, first world war, egypt, signals company, telegraph office, pyramids -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Speech, A tribute to Legatee Frank Doolan
... 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal Company and in France... enlisted in November 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal ...Information on the life of Legatee Frank Doolan from a dinner held to celebrate his 50 years of service on 27 May 1974 at the Oakleigh and Waverly Branch. Speakers included President Bill Braidie, Legatee Jim Gillespie and Legatee Frank Doolan. Frank recalls how he delivered the Toast to Legacy at the Perth Conference. In it he likened Legacy to a valuable cloak with foundations of gold and silver laid down by the founders, and additional threads added by successive legatees to become what the public see today. Legatee Doolan was a very active Legatee, starting within the first year of Legacy when he was nominated by Bill Laver and Charles Copp in 1924. While he never sought 'office but he was always there - in the background - able and willing to actively serve'. In World War 1 he enlisted in November 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal Company and in France. After Armistice he attended a course for young AIF surveyors at the British Ordnance Headquarters at South Hampton. Famously it was Frank that proposed that the spirit of Legacy is service to the widows and children. "Here it received its soul. The thoughts transmitted to the Board by this quiet man." He was part of the Legacy team who worked enthusiastically for the establishment of the Shrine. It was his technical skill as a surveyor that enabled the ray of light to shine on the Stone of Remembrance at 11 am on 11th November. Also to solve the complication of daylight saving by positioning two mirrors. For this he was awarded the British Empire Medal. He was involved in the purchase of Legacy House in 1955 and also in the Lone Pine project in 1964. He was also established an archive at Legacy House to try and capture the history of Legacy. The information was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.Part of the collection of material held by Melbourne Legacy on Legatee Frank Doolan a prominent member of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed A4 document x 5 pages of the life of Legatee Frank Doolan. frank doolan, ray of light, shrine of remembrance, lone pine -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Eulogy, A tribute to Legatee Frank Doolan
... 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal Company and in France... with 1st Division Signal Company and in France. After Armistice he ...Information on the life of Legatee Frank Doolan from the memorial service held for him in 1988. Legatee Doolan was a very active Legatee, starting within the first year of Legacy when he was nominated by Bill Laver and Charles Copp in 1924. While he never sought 'office but he was always there - in the background - able and willing to actively serve'. In World War 1 he enlisted in November 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal Company and in France. After Armistice he attended a course for young AIF surveyors at the British Ordnance Headquarters at South Hampton. Famously it was Frank that proposed that the spirit of Legacy is service to the widows and children. "Here it received its soul. The thoughts transmitted to the Board by this quiet man." He was part of the Legacy team who worked enthusiastically for the establishment of the Shrine. It was his technical skill as a surveyor that enabled the ray of light to shine on the Stone of Remembrance at 11 am on 11th November. Also to solve the complication of daylight saving by positioning two mirrors . For this he was awarded the British Empire Medal. He was involved in the purchase of Legacy House in 1955 and also in the Lone Pine project in 1964. In a final story the speaker mentions Frank acquired a race horse called Tamwill from the estate of a mate. It gave him great pleasure for years and poignantly died the day before Frank passed away. The card sent as a thank you from the family includes hand written text to Wendy (Faulkner, staff member at Legacy) from Geoff Doolan, son of legatee Frank Doolan. The information was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.Part of the collection of material held by Melbourne Legacy on Legatee Frank Doolan a prominent member of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed A4 document x 5 pages of the life of Legatee Frank Doolan. Pus a memorial card from the family.eulogy, frank doolan, ray of light, shrine of remembrance, lone pine -
Melbourne Legacy
Document - Eulogy, Legatee Francis John Doolan
... 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal Company and in France... enlisted in November 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal ...Information on the life of Legatee Frank Doolan from a eulogy in 1988. Legatee Doolan was a very active Legatee, starting within the first year of Legacy when he was nominated by Bill Laver and Charles Copp in 1924. While he never sought 'office but he was always there - in the background - able and willing to actively serve'. In World War 1 he enlisted in November 1917 and served with 1st Division Signal Company and in France. After Armistice he attended a course for young AIF surveyors at the British Ordnance Headquarters at South Hampton designed to bring skills back to Australia. Famously it was Frank that proposed that the spirit of Legacy is service to the widows and children. "Here it received its soul. The thoughts transmitted to the Board by this quiet man." He was Legacy's link to the Big Brother movement that was sponsoring bereft children in England to be sympathetically housed in Australia. He was a foundation member of the the first boys' gymnasium class and of the literary and debating class. He worked with the Intermediate Legacy Club for it's entirety He was part of the Legacy team who worked enthusiastically for the establishment of the Shrine. It was his technical skill as a surveyor that enabled the ray of light to shine on the Stone of Remembrance at 11 am on 11th November. Also to solve the complication of daylight saving in 1976 by positioning two mirrors. For this he was awarded the British Empire Medal. Born in 1896 at Armadale he was educated in Ballarat and South Melbourne. He obtained his qualification as a licensed surveyor at the Working Men's College (now RMIT) in 1919 on returning from war. He was partner in 'Doolan and Goodchild' through the hardships of the Great Depression. Then joined firm of Mendell, Gillespie and Charleman - being supported by Legatee Jim Gillespie. He went on to Lecturer of surveying at the Working Men's College from 1926 to 1938. Then he was assisted by Legatee Alan Murray to a position with the Valuers Section of the Department of Interior. In 1953 he was promoted to be Chief Property Officer for Victoria retiring in 1961. The page from the Bulletin from 18 August 1988 shows the names of many donors that had paid tribute to Frank. A few sentiments were included by some: 'A quiet, loveable and outstanding Legatee.' 'He was my friend, guide and mentor during the 14 happy years I spent in Legacy.' The information was part of an album of past presidents from 1965 to 1989. The folder included biographical details and obituaries, eulogies and death notices of prominent Legatees. The items have been catalogued separately.Part of the collection of material held by Melbourne Legacy on Legatee Frank Doolan a prominent member of Legacy. The information was collected to record the lives of prominent legatees in a folder.Typed A4 document x 2 pages of the life of Legatee Frank Doolan and one page from the Bulletin with donations received in his memory.eulogy, frank doolan, ray of light, shrine of remembrance, ilc, donations -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Old Bus
... Force. He served in 4th Signal Troop, 2nd Division Signal... Force. He served in 4th Signal Troop, 2nd Division Signal ...Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith is a famous Australian, well known in civil aviation history for his courageous endeavours in flight. He broken many flight records for long distance and time travelled and he was also a war hero in World War 1. He has been referred to as being “known to millions of Australians as “Smithy” … he was one of Australia’s true twentieth-century legends”. In honour of his place amongst the world’s famous pioneers his image is featured on Australia’s $20 note, Sydney airport is named after him, there is a memorial to Kingsford Smith, Taylor and Ulm at the Anderson Park, also in Sydney and his plane “Southern Cross” is on view at Brisbane Airport. Kingsford Smith wrote ‘The Old Bus’ (1932) and he and Ulm were co-authors of ‘Story of 'Southern Cross' Trans-Pacific Flight’ (1928). His also wrote a book about his own life ‘My Flying Life’ which was published after his death in 1937. and the story of his life was filmed in Australia in 1946. A BRIEF HISTORY OF SIR CHARLES EDWARD KINGSFORD SMITH (1897 – 1935) … Kingsford Smith was born 9th February 1897 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His parents were William Charles Smith and Catherine Mary, nee Kingsford. His mother’s maiden name of “Kingsford” was added to the family name when they spent time in Canada from around 1903 to 1907, after which they returned to Sydney, Australia. In 1915 Kingsford Smith enlisted in Australian Imperial Force. He served in 4th Signal Troop, 2nd Division Signal Company at Gallipoli Peninsular as a ‘sapper’ or combat engineer and later in Egypt and in France as a dispatch rider. In 1916 Kingsford Smith was transferred to the Australian Flying Corps as a sergeant. He was discharged after training in England and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. He was appointed fling officer and soon joined the 23rd Squadron in France. He brought down four machines in his first month there and also did invaluable work attacking enemy targets. He was wounded and shot down and later awarded the Military Cross ‘for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty’. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1918 and served as a Flying Instructor with the R.F.C. Kingsford Smith was not allowed to participate in the 1919 England to Australia air race because of assumed lack of navigational experience. He and his pilot friend Cyril Maddocks formed a business and flew joy-flights in both England and America. In America he did some stunt flying with a Flying Circus. Kingsford Smith returned to Australia in 1921 and found employment as a pilot. He soon realised the value of air transport in such a vast country. He formed a partnership with pilot Keith Anderson in 1924 and they purchased two Bristol Tourer biplanes. Their business broadened to include Charles Ulm and became the Interstate Flying services in Sydney. Together they performed important ‘demonstration’ flights including a flight around Australia in 10 days and 5 hours using very limited navigational equipment. Kingsford Smith immediately started to search for support to do a trans-Pacific flight. This support came from the New South Wales government, Sidney Myer and G. Allan Hancock, an American oil magnate. On 31st May 1928 Kingsford Smith, Charles Ulm and two American crewmen, Harry Lyan and Jim Warner, took off from Oakland, California and flew to Brisbane via Hawaii and Suva. This historic flight took 83 hours and 38 minutes. Their Fokker plane had three engines and was named the “Southern Cross”. This amazing achievement resulted in huge financial subscriptions. Kingsford Smith was awarded the Air Force Cross and appointed as honorary squadron leader, Royal Australian Air Force. Kingsford Smith flew his Southern Cross plane from Point Cook in Victoria to Perth nonstop. Then in September – October 1928, with Charles Ulm and an Australian crew, he piloted the Southern Cross from Sidney to Christchurch New Zealand. This flight showed that was possible for regular passenger and mail services across the Tasman Sea. Kingsford Smith flew his plane to England to an order for four aircraft, planning to use them for an inter-capital air service in Australia. Sadly on 1st April 1929 he was forced to land, having lost radio contact with the ground and having run into bad weather over north – west Australia. Keith Anderson and Robert Hitchcock both perished before the search party reached them. Once official enquiries were completed the flight to England continued in June and was completed in record time of 12 days and 18 hours. In January 1930 Kingsford Smith piloted the “Southern Cloud”, one of the new Avro Ten planes, on the first flight of his airline, the Australian National Airways, from Sydney to Melbourne. The “Southern Cross” was overhauled in Holland by the Fokker Aircraft Co. and in June 1930 Kingsford Smith achieved an east-west crossing of the Atlantic from Ireland to Newfoundland in 31.5 hours. Kingsford Smith returned to England and took delivery of an Avro Avian biplane that he named the “Southern Cross Junior” and flew solo from England to Darwin, Australia. This record breaking flight took less than 10 days. He beat four other planes that had left England before him and he was 5.5 days faster than Hinkler. Sadly Kingsford Smith’s “Southern Cloud” was lost during a flight from Sydney to Melbourne in 1931 with no surviving crew or passengers; in 1958 the wreckage was discovered in the Snowy Mountains. Later that year Kingsford Smith flew his “Southern Cloud” from Australia to Timor, collecting mail from a damaged Imperial Airways plane in Timor. Other flights followed. Kingsford Smith was knighted in 1932 for his services in Aviation. He returned to selling joy flights then established the Kingsford Smith Air Service, a flying training school in Sydney. In 1933 Kingsford Smith flew the amazing record flight in “Miss Southern Cross” – a Percival Gull - from London to Wyndham in Western Australia in just over ten days. The Australian Commonwealth then gave Kingsford Smith a large grant and he was also appointed as aviation consultant to Vacuum Oil Co. Another flying record was made when Kingsford Smith and Sir P.G. Taylor flow “Lady Southern Cross” from Brisbane to San Francisco in order to sell her there; the west-east-trans-Pacific flight made aviation history. They returned to Australia to make an attempt at the trans-Tasman flight but their attempt failed due to engine failure; they managed to get back to Sydney safely, minus most of their cargo. Kingsford Smith had his unsold “Lady Southern Cross” shipped back to England, from where he and J. T. Pethybridge in the “Lady Southern Cross” attempted another record breaking flight from England The Old Bus Author: Charles Kingsford Smith Publisher: Distibuted by Herald Feature Service Date; 1932Label on spine cover with typed text RA 629.1309 KIN flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, the old bus, charles kingsford smith -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Emergency Signaling Mirror (ESM/1), Mid 20th Century
This is an Army Air Corp procured signal mirror that dates from September 1943 (Ser No 40653)This mirror was adopted for use by Army Air Force (US?) in September 1943Oblong mirror face one one side, painted instructions on one side, with printed instructions for use. There is a whole on the bottom left corner with a rope for personal attachment.Specification Number 40653 General Electric Companymirror, emergency, signals, us, army air force -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
18 Pounder shell ashtray, Souvenir, 1927
Artillery shells were designed to be recycled and spent shells were returned to the munitions factory for re-filling, a mark engraved upon the head-stamp at each re-filling. Millions upon millions of shells were recycled and re-fired. Relationships with ‘objects’ were forged as recycled objects of conflict were welcomed into people’s homes. Such objects were embodied with personal experiences of war, later to become objects textured with memory, remembrance, and longing – attributes that clearly go beyond an object’s form and function. 18-Pounder Artillery Shells: The Great War Recycled and Re-Circulated Categories :Material Culture Machine Subscribe Share on facebook Share on twitter The intention of war is to kill, to maim and to destroy using, for example, the agency of 18-pounder artillery shells (so-called because they weighed 18 pounds). The shells were loaded in to the 18-pounder field guns used by the Royal Artillery and targeted to destroy German batteries and trenches as well as to shoot down aeroplanes. Horse-drawn field gun, Canal du Nord, France. Taken by First World War photographer David McLellan. Available via the National Library of Scotland as CC BY-NC-SA Horse-drawn field gun, Canal du Nord, France. Taken by First World War photographer David McLellan. Available via the National Library of Scotland as CC BY-NC-SA In Under Fire, Henri Barbusse recounts how the incessant and diabolical din of war constantly bombarded the soldier body with the unendurable noise of bursting shells that caused pain to the ears (Barbusse 2010 [1933]: 207). The noise was so ‘monstrously resounding’ that one felt ‘annihilated by the mere sound of the downpour of thunder’ (Barbusse 2010 [1933]: 206). Artillery shells were designed to be recycled and spent shells were returned to the munitions factory for re-filling, a mark engraved upon the head-stamp at each re-filling. Millions upon millions of shells were recycled and re-fired. A mound of spent shell cases, Nord, Nord-pas-de-Calais, France. Taken by war photographer, Tom Aitken, 1918. Available via the National Library of Scotland as CC BY-NC-SA. A mound of spent shell cases, Nord, Nord-pas-de-Calais, France. Taken by war photographer, Tom Aitken, 1918. Available via the National Library of Scotland as CC BY-NC-SA. People’s experience of the First World War did not end with the armistice. Whilst the noise of the artillery had ceased, the noise of war was remembered. Harry Patch on arriving home injured recalled being ‘jumpy for a while’ with the least noise prompting him to dive for cover (2009: 114). Something else materialised. Relationships with ‘objects’ were forged as recycled objects of conflict were welcomed into people’s homes. Such objects were embodied with personal experiences of war, later to become objects textured with memory, remembrance, and longing – attributes that clearly go beyond an object’s form and function. The head-stamp of these particular shells displays the British broad arrow and the initials ‘EOC’ indicates that they were made at the Elswick Ordnance Company, England; the initials ‘CF’ signal that the charge was loaded with cordite, a standard propellant. Spent shells were illicitly scavenged from massive mounds by both soldiers and civilians alike to become personal souvenirs or to swap or sell. Spent artillery shells were crafted, often using a hammer and a bent nail. The crafting of trench art reflects the construction of an identity that offers momentary relief from the hell experienced in the trenches. The lid of an 18Pounder shell which has been adapted for use as an ash tray.Lot 27 1927, 18Pr, III, EOC, C/F, Defence broad arrow, -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Uniform, Commonwealth Government Clothing Company, Sergeant Black dress jacket Army, 1969
Jacket made in 1969 for use by Australian army personal.Black Dress Jacket with sergeant stripes on the sleeves.Has a signal corps badge on each lapel.Also six brass buttons on front of Jacket. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Hand operated embossing document press, 1910
The woollen mill was a vital part of Warrnambool for all but 22 years of the town’s history since it's the establishment in 1847 when the first land sales were held and white settlement began. In 1869 the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company began operations on the mill site, in 1875, shareholders of the then defunct Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company happily sold the land and buildings on the Merri river to Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company Ltd for £5,000. The site was sold again in 1876 to grazer Robert Hood of Sherwood, who was chairman of directors of the failed company, which couldn’t raise sufficient capital to keep the works operating. The entrepreneurial Hood then used the existing plant to turn his own wool into tweed cloth. But just as the mill was starting to show a profit, a fire destroyed the building and plant on the night of 25 March 1882. So again, the mill was operational for six short years. Insurers only paid a fraction over 10% of the damage, Hood couldn't raise sufficient capital to rebuild on his own, and so the site lay unused until 1910. In 1908 Marcus Saltau and Peter John McGennan convinced the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce to invest in a secondary industry with local capital. A public meeting in September 1908 agreed to raise £40,000, electing Saltau chairman of directors, a post he held for 34 years. A year later, using mostly local money, the Warrnambool Woollen Mill Company dispatched its first manager, John E. Bennett, to buy a plant and recruit 20 experienced staff from the Yorkshire woollen industry in December 1909. Another year more, the new mill was officially opened on 14 November 1910 by Marcus Saltau as company chairman and town mayor. Eighteen months on, in May 1912, the mill paid its first half-yearly dividend of 2 ½%. It was now working two shifts, with a year's orders to fill. In 1914 the mill ordered its own generator, providing the town with electricity and effectively doubling its plant size by October 1915, six months after Gallipoli. Thereafter, government orders for cloth and military supplies assured the mill’s success right through the First World War and on until 1923. A plant upgrade in 1922 for machinery to make worsted fabric drained profits, which, with a fall in demand, led to a loss in 1925. Profits were restored by the 1930s, despite the Depression, mostly due to tight management and robust marketing. Production boomed again during the Second World War, but soon foreign competition bit into profits, forcing the company to consolidate operations. The ‘50s and ‘60s were golden years for the mill. Security and growth gave the company confidence to trial Australia’s first electric blanket in 1958 and to install Swiss Sulzer looms in 1965. Over time, the building facades took on the modern look that the mill presented until it closed. The Dunlop company bought the mill in 1968, fending off a challenge from Onkaparinga in South Australia, and continued to expand by adding Wendouree Woollen Mill in the same year and Dream-spun Textiles a decade later, in 1979. Soon after that purchase, however, the mill began its slippery slide into decline. Dunlop sold to its former rival bidder Onkaparinga Woollen Co. Ltd in 1982, which in turn was taken over by Macquarie Worsted's only a year later, in 1983. Operations remained stable for a decade until 1994 when the Macquarie Group signaled that its newly rationalised operations left no room for the Warrnambool investment. The final operator of the mill was The Smith Family charity group, which ran the site by agreement with the Warrnambool City Council and a state government grant in that same year, 1994. The mill became more of a fabric recycler than a manufacturer. The site was sold to private operators in February 2003 and rezoned four months later to allow for the mixed housing development. The embossing press is significant for its association with the Warrnambool Woollen Mills 1910-1968, a major employer in the Warrnambool district. The press is also significant as an example of commercial office equipment used in the 19th and 20th century.Press, metal, for Company seal of Warrnambool Woollen Mill, stamping their brand as Western District Worsted Mills Pty Ltd. Metal is black with red and gold floral markings. Inscription of stamp reads "WESTERN DISTRICT WORSTED MILLS PROPRIETRY LIMITED" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, warrnambool woollen mills, western district worsted mills proprietry limited, worsted fabric, printing press, logo printing press, stamp printing press, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - SURVIVAL KIT
The item was possibly issued Air Force personal in the event of being shot down ..1) Rectangular webbed canvas bag with attached flap lid secured with metal press studs and belt hook. .2) Emergency signalling mirror, black background, orange coloured printed directions on the non reflective side and mirror central. .3) & .4) Plastic rigid containers with a metal spring clasp contains medical/survival supplies and directions for use. .3) contains the medical supplies and .4) unclear what some are but has razor blades, sewing kit fishing line and hook kit.survival kit, emergency -
Bendigo Military Museum
Equipment - SIGNALLING MIRROR, C.1939-45
Belonged to Victor Henry Evans No 418655 RAAF. Refer Cat No 1760.4..1) Emergency Signalling Mirror (ESM/1). Metal, rectangular shape with rounded corners. One side is the mirror, the other side has instruction points 1-3. .2) plaited cord attached to mirror frame. "SPEC 40653" " General Electric Company"signalling, mirrors, emergency, raaf -
Australian Commando Association - Victoria
Book, The Private War of the Spotters: A history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company, February 1942-April 1945
The history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.gray plasticnon-fictionThe history of the New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company. This reprinted version contains a map of the dispositions of Spotting Stations August 1943, additional MID awards listed and some additions to the nominal roll. The New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company was formed in Port Moresby in late January 1942 and was granted “Separate Independent Establishment” status in October 1943. The company’s “founding father” was Major Don Small, who had witnessed Japanese air raids on Rabaul and realised that having lacked an effective early-warning system around New Britain meant that the defenders were taken by surprise. At the time, gaps had also appeared in the coast-watching communications network because the territory administration ordered the withdrawal of civilian wireless operators when Japan entered the war. The first influx of men into the company consisted largely of volunteers from the 39th Infantry Battalion, which was stationed at Port Moresby. Initial training was rudimentary, hasty, and was sometimes even carried out on en route to a new station. The first party of company personnel, or “spotters”, left Port Moresby as early as 1 February 1942, bound for the strategically important Samarai area, at the tip of Papua. In the first month of the company’s existence 16 spotter stations were established on the coast of Papua and in the mountains around Port Moresby. At the end of 1942 there were 61 operational stations being run by 180 men. The company’s high-water mark was in late 1944, by which time over 150 stations had been set up in Papua and New Guinea behind enemy lines. On 3 February 1942 the company issued its first air warning in Papua, when spotters at Tufi saw Japanese aircraft about to attack Port Moresby for the first time. The following month the company was responsible for the first Japanese killed in action in Papua by Australian ground forces, when spotters from Gona engaged the crew of a downed Japanese bomber. And in July 1942 the station at Buna signalled Port Moresby with news of the Japanese landings in Papua, marking the beginning of the Kokoda campaign. The dangers involved in the company’s work had also been made clear by this time. In July 1942 a party of spotters attempting to set up a station at Misima Island, off Milne Bay, was intercepted by a Japanese destroyer, resulting in the company’s first operational losses. Anticipating the direction of the campaign as a whole, the company’s focus moved north and north-west over the three years of its existence. In May 1942 a network was set up in the Wau area in association with the activities of Kanga Force. As part of the Wau network, spotter Ross Kirkwood audaciously constructed an observation post overlooking the Japanese airstrip at Salamaua. Kirkwood’s position was photographed by Damian Parer on the understanding that the pictures would not be published. They nevertheless appeared in a Sydney newspaper. The day after the publication of the photographs the observation post was attacked by the Japanese and Kirkwood was lucky to escape. In June 1944 the company’s headquarters were moved to Nadzab. By that time, spotter stations existed behind Japanese lines, as far north as Hollandia, and the company began to train Americans to perform similar work in the Philippines. In early 1945 the company moved to Balcombe, Victoria, where its members were posted to other units of the Australian Corps of Signals.world war ii, special operations, new guinea, new guinea air warning wireless company