Showing 50 items
matching soldiers comfort fund
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Bendigo Military Museum
Book - SOLDIERS COMFORT FUND, Australian Comforts Fund, Nov 1942
... SOLDIERS COMFORT FUND ...SOLDIERS COMFORT FUND Book Red buckram cloth cover ...The book belonged to Lawrence Vernon Andrews VX114736 2nd AIF (V13289) He initially enlisted in the CMF then transferred to the AIF on 16.4.1941 age 21 years, He was discharged with the rank of Pte on 31.10.1945 serving in No 65 Mobile Search Light Artillery Battery RAA. Red buckram cloth cover, “The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book”, black print, 126 pages, white paper.Font cover, “Gift from The Australian Comforts Fund”pocket books, comforts fund -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Saw History Made, 1954
... Soldiers Comfort Fund... McClelland. McClelland Clarissa Nunawading Soldiers Comfort Fund ...Photocopy of newspaper article with photos of Nunawading resident, Miss Clarissa McClelland.Photocopy of newspaper article with photos of Nunawading resident, Miss Clarissa McClelland.Photocopy of newspaper article with photos of Nunawading resident, Miss Clarissa McClelland.mcclelland, clarissa, nunawading, soldiers comfort fund -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Booklet - Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book in Leather wallet, William Keays, July 1941
... War 11 Soldiers' Handbook Australian Comfort Fund (ACF ...The Australian Soldier's Pocket Book was a small publication with a red cover. It was designed to offer useful information to Australian Soldiers, serving at home and abroad during World War 2. The book was a gift from the A.C.F. (Australian Comforts Fund) and was revised several times during the war. It contained approximately 125 pages of facts and helpful hints. The Australian Soldier's Pocket Book was originally compiled and issued in Victoria by the Victorian R.S.L. War Service Fund. It's contents included 'rules and regulations' and other content which varied according to the date of print. For example, this edition contained articles titled "The Laws And Customs Of War" and "Things a Soldier Should Know".A brown leather wallet containing a copy of the Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book. This book was given to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.non-fictionThe Australian Soldier's Pocket Book was a small publication with a red cover. It was designed to offer useful information to Australian Soldiers, serving at home and abroad during World War 2. The book was a gift from the A.C.F. (Australian Comforts Fund) and was revised several times during the war. It contained approximately 125 pages of facts and helpful hints. The Australian Soldier's Pocket Book was originally compiled and issued in Victoria by the Victorian R.S.L. War Service Fund. It's contents included 'rules and regulations' and other content which varied according to the date of print. For example, this edition contained articles titled "The Laws And Customs Of War" and "Things a Soldier Should Know". world war 11, soldiers' handbook, australian comfort fund (acf) -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Ernest Scott, Official History of Australia in the War, Vol 11, Australia During the War of 1914 - 1918, 1936
Ernest Scott was a Professor in History at the University of Melbourne.Red hard covered book of 922 pages with 67 illustrationsworld war, world war one, aif, anzac, censorship, germans, internment, spying, war correspondents, official photographers, propaganda, equipment, munitions, conscription, conscription referendum, recruiting, horses, patriotic funds, red cross, australian comforts fund, junior red cross, peace conference, treaty, repatriation, soldier settlement, andrew fisher, legacy -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Booklet, The Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book, January 1943
Issued to Service personnel during WW2The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book was distributed to Army personnel during WW2. It belonged to SGT John Branch 419022, Aircrew in the Royal Australian Air Force.Red cardboard cover with paper pagesFront Cover - 'The Soldiers' Pocket Book' at top and at bottom 'Gift from ... The Australian Comforts Fundaustralian soldiers pocket book, ww2, australian comforts fund, john branch, 419022, lauriston house lara -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
greeting Card 8/8/1918, Advance from Villers-Bretonneux 8/8/1918 & Capture of Hamel 4/7/1918 & Captured German Tank
Four color pages card Advance from Villers-Bretonneux 8/8/1918 & Capture of Hamel 4/7/1918 & Captured German Tank .Page 1: Australian Advancing from Villlers - Bretonneux 8/8/1918 drawing of soldiers in action. Page 2 : Villlers - Bretonneux Start of the German attack 8/8/1918 Picture of captured German tank by Australians. Page 3 : Capture of Hamel Village 4/4/1918 by Australian. From color Paiinting Australian Comfort Fund by A. Pearse War Artist. Pages 4 : Australian capture A 14 C.M. German Naval Gun intact with its Train and Equipment. Greeting from.................cardboard card, world war 1, greeting card -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Badge - Badges, 31 Badges relating to ANZAC Day, WW1, Red Cross etc. c 1914-1918, c. 1914 - 1918
Most badges would have been collected during WWIBadges, varying in size from diam 2.2cm to diam 3.2cm. Total 31 badges. Each has a picture on the front and a plain metal back slightly rusting, with a sharp metal pin fastener. ANZAC DAY (2); Hospital Day; British/Red Cross; King George's Day (Copyright); Allies for Freedom and Life; Australian Red/Cross Appeal/1918; I will help until the war is won (2); Hospital/Day/1918; Our fighting men/Australian Comforts Fund; Same 3.2cm diam; Wattle Day (3); Hospital Day/for charity; Discharged Soldiers' Fund/For our Returned Soldiers; French Red Cross; For/Our Own (2); Red Triangle/King/God/Country; Our/Day/Nation/& Honour; Servia/Syria/Armenia; Our Sailors' Day (2); Italian/Red Cross; For Our Fighting Men; ANZAC/Remembrance Day; Our/Day/Nation/& Honor; Three enamel badges:; 1. Red Cross/'Australian Red Cross Society'. Red Cross on white surrounded by annular blue enamel. Crown on top. Diam 1.7cm.; 2. 'Fathers'. Centre of badge brass on red enamel background. Reg No 20169 over 494. Diam 2.6cm.; 3. ARP 'Victoria/ARP/AG121/WARDEN. Crown on top. On rear: 'Issued by State Emergency Council'. H 3.0cm x W 2.6cm.Refer photograph. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - POCKET BOOK, The Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book, July 1941
Made for the Australian Comforts Fund and published by Brown, Prior Anderson Pty LtdPocket book with red cloth cover, title in black ink on front. Contains information of use to Australian soldiers including signalling, first aid, military terminology etc Revised 5th Edition.Page 3 personal details of owner .pocket books, soldiers, military, -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Pocketbook, The Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book
... Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2... Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2 ...An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel. The title page has the following imprint "THE AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS' POCKET BOOK, Revised 8th Edition, COMPLETING 177,000 COPIES, CONTAINING USEFUL INFORMATION FOR AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS (COPYRIGHT), Edited by WILLIAM KEAYS, (Gift copy for members of the Forces with best wishes from the Australian Comforts Fund) JANUARY, 1943"The front cover has the following title "THE AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS' POCKET BOOK", and at the foot of the cover "GIFT FROM ..... THE AUSTRALIAN COMFORTS FUND" -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Medallion
The medal was created for sale to the public to raise funds for the provision of troop comforts material.Medallion distributed during World War 1 by the South Australia Division of the Australian Comforts Fund. This medallion was apparently used for fund raising by the ACF to support the welfare of Australian service personnel. The medallion is 52mm diameter by 5mm thick and is made from copper. The medallion has a swivel and a loop at the top for attaching a chain or ribbon. Mintage total not known. The Reverse side of the medallion is embossed with the words "New Guinea", "Egypt", "Gallipoli", "France", "Palestine", "Salonika" and "Mesopotamia" within an olive wreath. The obverse side of the medallion has an embossed image of the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier wearing a slouch hat and carrying a rifle at the high port position. The edge of the medallion is stamped "Australian Comforts Fund SA Division". Medallion has suffered edge damage and has been cleaned extensivelyThe reverse side of the medallion is embossed with the words "New Guinea", "Egypt", "Gallipoli", "France", "Palestine", "Salonika" and "Mesopotamia" within an olive wreath. The obverse side of the medallion has an embossed image of the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier wearing a slouch hat and carrying a rifle at the high port position. The edge of the medallion is stamped "Australian Comforts Fund SA Division". Stokes & Sonsww1, medallion, south australia, acf, australian comforts fund -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document, Australian Comfort Fund Mrs Steward, C1946
The Australian Comforts Fund was formed during the first World War and was an amalgamation of various organisations which were sending items of comfort such as toiletries, clothing and food to Australian troops who were fighting overseas. It ceased its work and was dissolved in 1920 at the ceasation of the war but was started again to continue the same work in 1939.In Australia it rivalled the work of the red Cross and many of the volunteers involved were women. As well as making and providing items themselves there was major fundraising to purchase further items. Over the course of the war they provided over 1.5 million hampers. This certificate was presented to Mrs Steward for valuable services rendered to the Australian Comforts Fund during World War 1939-1945. The Australian Comforts fund was wound up in June 1946.This certificate recognises the work of one of our residents to a fund which was Australia wide and would have been one of numerous certificates presented around the country. The Australian Comforts fund was an organisation with which numerous people would have been affiliated and which also assisted many soldiers over the years. Cream certificate with black text, highlighted with red. The name Mrs Steward has been written in in blue ink. In comes enclosed in a dark grey soft card folder.Mrs Steward. Signed Valerie Heinze, Lady mayoress of Melbourne. Thomas S Neu*tefold, Hermen W *ohn, On front of grey folder "Mrs Steward Warrnambool.warrnambool, warrnambool history, australian comforts fund, mrs steward warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Badges, Australian Comfort Funds, circa 1916
These three badges all bear the phrase " For Our Fighting Men" and were sold to raise funds for Australian servicemen's comforts in World War One. The funds would have been used to send food and amenities parcels to those serving overseas, to provide assistance to those soldiers who had returned to Australia or were serving within Australia. The funds from the sale of these badges were directed to the Australian Comforts Fund which was an organisation formed in August 1916 from the amalgamation of the State groups formed to provide assistance to those serving in World War One. These badges are of interest as examples of those made and sold in Australia during World War One to provide comforts for Australian servicemen..1 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features the Australian flag on a red background surrounded by a white annulus and a pale blue ring with text. There are rust marks on the surface.The reverse has a pin clip. .2 Identical to .1 but very discoloured and faded. .3 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features a the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier in uniform with a slouch hat and a gun with bayonet fixed against a background of the Australian flag. Inside the outer rim of pale gold is a white ring with red text. There is a pin clip on the reverse. .1 FOR OUR FIGHTING MEN .2 Identical to .1 .3 OUR FIGHTING MEN AUSTRALIAN.COMFORTS. FUNDaustralian comforts fund -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Australian's Soldiers' Pocket Book, G.R. Sands
... by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen ...Pocket book belonging to G R Sands of Sea:Lake. These books were gifted to servicemen in WW2 by the Australian Comfort FundAn example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Small red book with plastic canvas cover with black writing.On front cover: The Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book. Gift from The Australian Comforts Fund. Inside written in blue ink: G.R. Sands 71023 Sgt. 401 Road Sea Lake Vic. NOK M.O Sands. DOB 2-1-23. Weight 12st 6lb. Height 6ft 4in.soldiers' pocket book, g. r. sands, australian comfort fund, ww2 -
Chiltern Athenaeum Trust
Brass Pencil Case and Pencil Miniature, 1916
For issue to WW1 soldiers both abroad and back in Australia on leave. Issued to Australian troops both overseas and on leave from 1916 on for the duration of WW1. Brass Pencil Case with slide out pencil, miniature. AUST COMFORTS FUND is etched onto the external face of the pencil casebrass pencil case and pencil miniature, australian comforts fund, ww1 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Photograph, c1918
This black and white image taken of Australian soldiers at the Headquarters of the AIF Overseas Training Brigade based at Longbridge Deverell in Wiltshire England prior to distribution of Comfort Funds Xmas Boxes in 1918. One of the soldiers in the image is Private Llewellyn EVANS 5335 of the 24th Battalion. EVANS was born on the 9/8/1879 at Moyhu in Victoria. He was a farmer and enlisted on the 8/2/1916 at the age of 36 years. He embarked on the 1/8/1916 and was wounded twice, first in 1917 receiving a gunshot wound to the right leg and again in 1918 receiving a gunshot wound to the right arm and leg. He returned to Australia and was discharged on 30/4/1919.Sand Hill (Longbridge Deverill)- Sand Hill camp was built in 1914 to accommodate infantry units. Australian troops arrived at Longbridge Deverill in October 1917, when their Overseas Training Brigade was moved from Perham Down and established there to train soldiers who had recovered from illness and wounds for a return to active service. Brown timber frame containing photograph of large group of soldiers and band members in an open field.Distribution of "Comfort Fund" Xmas Boxes to A.I.F. Longbridge Deverall, March 1918 comfort fund, ww1, llewellyn evans, 24th battalion, longbridge deverill -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Pocket Book, Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book
... by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen ...Pocket Book gifted by the Australian Comfort Fund to George Denis Parker VX123730 who served with the 6th Australia Infantry Training Brigade. He was deployed in February 1944 to New Guinea and assigned to HQ New Guinea Force Details Depot. Based in Buna, in Papua, they carried out garrison duties as well as patrols around the areas surrounding Milne and Nassu Bay. In May 1944, they moved to Lae. Parker returned to Australia in June 1944.An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Red canvas covered pocket book The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book Gift from the Australian Comforts Fund 1942australian soldier's pocket book, george denis parker, ww2, png -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Pocket Book, A.R. Sharrock, 1944
... The Australian Comforts Fund 1944 Australian Soldier's Pocket book gifted ...Australian Soldier's Pocket book gifted by the Australian Comfort Fund to WO2 Almora Reedie SHARROCK VX142263 Born 13/7/1911 at Dandenong. Enlisted 26/2/1940. Occupation Armourer. Unit 127 Australian Brigade Workshop. Served in New Guinea during WW2An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Red canvas covered pocket book The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book Gift from The Australian Comforts Fund 1944ww2, almora reedie sharrock, 127 aust bde workshop -
National Wool Museum
WWI and WWII Knitting books, Australian red Cross, Australian Red Cross Society Knitting Book and Australian Comforts Fund Guide to Knitting, Early 20th Century
Knitting Books provided by The Red Cross for women to contribute to the war effort by knitting garments for soldiers to stay warm. Second booklet also contains a list of donations accepted such as tinned food.Green Folder containing three knitting books. Knitting pattern for wounded soldiers or soldiers currently serving eg air pilots neck muff, airmens wollen gloves and bed socks. Newspaper clipping about knitting.On outside green folder " L.A Anderson, Sutherland's Creek." First Booklet. " Australian Red Cross Society Knitting Book" Second Booklet. " Australian Comforts Fund Victorian Division Guide to Knitting" Index of knitting patterns. Third Booklet. "Red Cross Society Australian Branch"wwi, wwii, australian red cross, red cross society, australian comforts fund, knitting, knitting patterns, victoria -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Magazine, Deeds of the 2nd A.I.F
Portrayal of notable achievements of the men of the 2nd AIF in the compaigns of Libya, Cyrenaica, Greece, Crete, Syria in the defence of Tobruk and in Malaya Singapore.Cream and brown magazine with sketch depicting two soldiers charging with rifles and fixed bayonetsACF - total proceeds for Australian Comforts Fund Price 6dww2, 2nd aif -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Book, The Australian soldiers pocket book, January 1940
... book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers ...Soldiers pocket book issued to Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 .Born on 14 July 1909 at Condoblin NSW. Enlisted 23 January 1940 at South Melbourne Served during WW2 An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.Burgundy colour imitation leather cover book held together with bandaids pocket book, ww2, muldoon -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Book, Brown, Prior, Anderson Pty Ltd, The Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book : Containing useful information for Australian soldiers, 1940
Booklet produced in 1940 for members of the 2nd AIF by the Australian Comforts Fund Victorian Division. The 128-page pocket-sized book could be carried everywhere and provided Australian soldiers with a wide range of useful information about the requirements of war service and many other important details such as: The Laws and Customs of War - including Geneva Convention guidelines, notes on spies and insignia of rank; Things a Soldier should Know - including over 60 points; Signaling - including flags, morse code, shipboard bell times and time zone; Decorations Awarded to Australians in the Great War; Arabic and Japanese words; First Aid for gas injuries etc.; Australian Historical Events, facts and figures etc.; and Conduct Overseas - including expectations of behaviour when representing Australia. non-fictionaustralian comforts fund (victoria), second world war 1939-1945, hugh george ferguson -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Booklet, Australian Comforts Fund (Victorian Divsion), Guide to Knitting Standard Socks Scarf Balaclava Cap for Active Service, 1939
Kew Historical Society, founded in 1958, has an extensive reference library, of which this book is a part. Volumes in the library are used by members for research into aspects of local history and/or to support the Society's collections of pictures, maps, fashion and artefacts. Reference books have entered the collection through donation, presentation, collection and purchase.Booklet advising on standards for knitting items for soldiersaustralian comforts fund (victoria), second world war 1939-1945 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
gift book, Australian armed Forces, Australian Gift Book, 1916
Early in World War I local women's groups in Australia began working to provide provide tobacco, cakes, puddings, condensed milk, sugar, biscuits, newspapers and other 'luxury' items to supplement the Australian soldier's army rations. These fund-raising bodies were amalgamated in 1916 to form a national body, The Australian Comforts Fund (ACF), which undertook to provide 'comforts' to all Australians abroad. Sales of this book raised funds for The Australian Comforts Fund.A thin book with a brown fabric cover. On the cover is a black line drawing of a koala in a tree. It contains a summary of the work done by the Australian Comforts Funds at the front, Anzac and Mudros, at the camps in Egypt with a summary of gifts and statement of accounts.The book sold for 3/- or 15 P.T. in aid of the A.C.F. It was edited by William Beit. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, W C RICE, 1914 -1918
Patriotic Fund Raising days were held in order to raise money and support for the soldiers fighting overseas. In the photograph are L to R: Marion Gilbert; Annie Nixon; Jean Cameron; Hattie Nixon and Grace Cameron' The Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) was formed just after the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, originally as a branch of the British Red Cross. It came into being as a branch of the British Red Cross Society on August 13th 1914 to succour the wounded in the First World War.This is a contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost. It reflects the involvement of Orbost, a small town, in the efforts of the Australian Red Cross Society to provide comforts to soldiers during World war 1.A black / white photograph / postcard of four ladies and one little girl dressed in Red Cross outfits standing in front of a cart loaded with patriotic goods for sale. A sign on the cart has ":SOLDIERS' COMFORTS" on iton back is a list of namesorbost-red-cross ww1 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Letter - LETTERS, Australian Comfort Fund
See Cat 5109P1-3. Three page letters written in ink. The paper has the Australian Comforts Fund letterhead in red ink (RSL, Salvation Army & YMCA) - addressed to "My darling Marjorie" signed "From your loving boyfrien Ted". He mentions - Anniversary of the day the Japs "chased us out of Rabaul" air raids. He is in Victoria at time of writing. 4-5. Two page letter written in ink to "My Darling from "Love and kisses" Yours Ted. The letter is written from Goodnight, via Tooleybuc NSW 29 - 9 -1942. He mentioned farming, Bendigo and an electric iron surprise. 6 - 8. Three page letters on Comforts Fund letterhead paper. Written at 107 Con Depot, Ballarat. To "My Darling Marjorie" from "Love and Kisses" Yours Only Ted. He mentions weather, chocolate soldiers, Americans, Guadalcanal, here in Ballarat.ww2, romance, ballarat, americans -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - POCKET BOOK, March 1942
The book is put out by the “Australian Comforts Fund”Book red covers buckram, rectangular shape, 128 pages, all print in black, 6th edition, space for Soldiers particulars, covers 37 subjects, rear has calendar for 1942 - 43.On front in black, “Australian Soldiers Pocket Book”book, pocket, australian comforts fund -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Programme - Ten Arabian Nights, Street Illuminated Festival, Port Melbourne, "Ten Arabian Nights", Apr 1940
"Ten Arabian Nights" Official Souvenir programme . Black and white with drawing of a machine gun and two soldiers on front cover. Names of Council Officials at bottom and "price 3d". Back cover advertising future events ; a baby show; 50-50 dance; boxing and wrestling; comedy motor car act; and greasy pig race. Inside includes list of Port Melbourne men enlisted in second AIF 1939-40.Port Melbourne Ten Arabian Nights. Street illuminated carnival in aid of comforts fund. Australia will be there.celebrations fetes and exhibitions, war - world war ii, james peter crichton, h v mays, c h wright, sydney sims anderson, port melbourne boys band, second aif port melbournee, rook's shoes, station hotel, dick krawley, albion hotel, d l hart, david bell, faram brothers hardware, rose & crown hotel, g legge, m bond, j e earl, j mowat, fountain inn, hausens ball, george westwood, william howe, mrs howey, mrs smith, mrs mccall, mrs cuthill, mrs whitford, mrs aanensen, mrs hart, mrs thompson, mrs law, mrs sinclair, mrs walsh, a & a parson, galatos chocolates, flower hotel, j w henley, mrs edward, mrs couslan, mrs white, mrs dunn, mrs brown, elizabeth branton crichton nee portbury, bert gardiner -
Kyneton RSL Sub Branch
Framed print & poster
This is an example of posters with a patriotic theme the purpose of which was to raise money for goods for service personal overseas, during WW2. "Tin-hat" badges were sold for 1 and 2 shillings and 1pound. The 'tin-hat' appeal was conducted from 4 Sept - 17 Sept in 1943. Organised by the Returned Soldiers League. A poster is superimposed on a hidden print. The poster which is on top of a hidden print has these words written on it: "Don’t Let the Boys down, Help the tin hat appeal for the Australian Comforts Fund, Friday 1 Aug buy a tin hat or send your donation to RSL War Service Fund Tin Hat Appeal Office – Town Hall Melbourne"australian comfort funds, ww2, tin hat appeal -
Beechworth RSL Sub-Branch
Gift Diary 1919
The collection of badges,medallion,issue diary and photograph shows what a soldier who served in WW1, received.It is good that this collection is still intact.Red diary,2 pages for one week.various information ie signals,money exchange tables etc. pocket on spine for pencil."Australian Commonwealth Military Forces"- badge "A.I.F." The Australian Comfort Gift Diary 1919comfort fund, 1919, diary, sandy, malachy -
Melton City Libraries
Newspaper, Crosses lay out pledge to remember, 2015
"The outbreak of World War I in August 1914 had an immediate impact on communities across Australia, and it was no different in Melton. Young men began enlisting immediately, and Australia’s initial offer of 20,000 troops was soon exceeded by Victorian enlistments alone. Over the four years of the war, approximately 114,000 Victorians enlisted and around 91,000 servicemen and women were sent overseas. They came not just from Melbourne, but from all over the state; from farms, small towns and suburban areas. They included locals, newly arrived migrants and Indigenous people. The Australian home front was a hive of activity throughout the war, and the Melton community played its part. Following the announcement that Australia was joining the war with Great Britain and its allies on 5 August 1914, the Melton community lost no time in launching into action. A meeting ‘to assist the Red Cross fund’ was held in the Melton Mechanics’ Institute hall on 18 August – just days after the outbreak of the war. Collectors were appointed for each corner of the shire and individual donations were made. A Melton branch of the Australian Red Cross Society was formed in June 1915 and focused its energies on raising funds to purchase material that was used to make clothes for sick and wounded soldiers. A depot was established in Melton to collect clothing and other ‘comfort’ items for the soldiers – including reading material, tobacco, linen, canned foods and soap – and to coordinate the branch’s work and activities. Local cab driver Percival Stubbs volunteered to transport all the packages to the Melton railway station, until he enlisted and departed for the front in 1916. Such were the numbers of people getting involved that branches were also established in Toolern Vale and Rockbank. Regular community events were held to farewell soldiers who were leaving on active service and to welcome those who returned home. Gunner Robert (Bob) Wynne, whose uncle’s family ran the general store in Toolern Vale, was presented with a pair of field glasses (binoculars), a gold watch, inscribed locket and autographed letter by the Toolern Vale community before he set sail for the front in 1916. His mother noted that he ‘sailed away in good spirits with a smile till out of sight’. From June 1915 to June 1919, the Melton Red Cross branch donated 2,156 pairs of socks, 1,357 shirts, 425 kit bags, 251 pillowslips, 224 towels and 121 pairs of pajamas. Countless fundraising events were held, including jumble fairs, concerts and gift evenings. Local schools also encouraged students to contribute through fund-raising and making and collecting comforts for the soldiers. People across the country engaged in similar activities, but Victoria’s rural communities found unique ways of contributing. In Melton, people were encouraged to send rabbits and hares ‘in good condition’ to an exporter in Spencer Street, for export to Belgium ‘for the relief of those suffering". Special Anzac Memorial article featured in the Star Weeklylocal identities, war