This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Australian Victories in France in 1918 Author: Lieutenant-General Sir John Monash Publisher: Hutchinson & Co Date: 1920Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 940.434 MON Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the australian victories in france in 1918, lieutenant-general sir john monash

From the front cover; "Intense pride in the Australian Soldier glow in/ this book Sir John doubts whether there is any/ parallel in military history to their performance"/ Daily Graphic (London)." Part of the "William (Bill) THOMASON" Collection. Refer Cat. No. 4136P for more items.Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, mid grey colour with dark blue colour print on front and back. Black colour print on spine. 336 pages - cut, plain, white colour paper. Illustrated - front end papers - black and red print map of a battle. Back end papers - black and red print map of a campaign. Handwritten signature - front cover and second page from front, price notation - top of page.Handwritten signature - black ink pens - illegible. Price notation - grey lead pencil - "$ 30c"publications, books, ww1, france, monash, william (bill) thomason

Index, ill, maps, p.351.non-fiction1918 was a great period of success for the five divisions of the newly formed ‘Australian Corps’. From May 1918, they had been under the command of an Australian, Lieutenant General John Monash. Monash was knighted at his headquarters at the Chateau de Bertangles after the British success at the Battle of Amiens in August 1918, and he later wrote this influential book on his experiences. The major victories are listed as Defence of Amiens Dernancourt Villers-Bretonneux Battle of Hamel Battle of Mont St Quentin Battle of Hindenburg Line Mountbrehain. In June 1918 he was promoted to Lieutenant-General and appointed to command the Australian Corps in France. He led his Australians through a series of victorious actions until the end of the war. He is the greatest soldier Australia has ever bred and at the time was regarded as a military tactical genius. At no time before or after WW1 has Australia ever held such prominence or power on the world stage as it did at the end of WW1.world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - france, world war 1914-1918- regimental histories - australia

Index, ill, maps, appendices, p.351.non-fictionRepublished in full, this edition features a new foreword by Bruce Haigh, colour reproductions of the original maps that were hand-drawn under Monash's supervision, and new photos. It also includes a memo from General Rawlinson congratulating Monash on the performance of the Australian Corps: 'I feel that no mere words of mine can adequately express the renown that they have won for themselves and the position they have established for the Australian nation not only in France but throughout the world.'world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - france, world war 1914-1918 - australian involvement

Index, ill, maps, appendices, p.321.non-fictionSecond edition of the previous workworld war 1914-1918 - campaigns - france, world war 1914-1918 - australian involvement

An account of the Australian battles in France in 1918, including the 1918 Battle of the Somme.327p., illus., maps.world war 1, the somme

293 Hughie McLean was a Victorian born in Tamagulla, Victoria. Hughie McLean was living in Adelaide when he enlisted on 30 June 1915 and joined 'K' Group Base Infantry. 293 Hughie McLean was subsequently posted to 32 Australian Infantry Battalion and Killed in Action in France on the 19 July 1916. 32 Australian Intantry Battalion was raised as part of the 8th Brigade at Mitcham, South Australia.293 Hughie McLean was a Victorian man who was living in Adelaide at the time of his enlistment 30 June 1915. He was Killed in Action on 19 July 1916 in France. 293 Hughie McLean's original Medals were forwarded to his brother Mr J W McLean on 22 July 1922.3 x Medals - 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal 1914-1918, Victory Medal 1914-1919 ReproductionsThe Medals are reproductions, there are no markings or names293 hughie mclean, 32 aust inf battalion, kia, france

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. War Letters of General Monash Edited by F M Cutlack Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1934Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 923.5 MON Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service On a type written page inside book is written General Monash: 1865 - 1931 …. Australian soldier of Jewish birth, was born in Melbourne, graduating at Melbourne University..Began practising as a civil engineer in 1884, and became President of the Victorian Engineering Institute .. In 1887 entered the Australian Army, in which he rapidly rose to the rank of Col. At outbreak of World War 1 , he became Chief Censor, and then was sent in command of 4th Brigade to Gallopoli... Later commonded 3rd Australian Division in France, and in June 1918 took command of the Australian Corps. After armistice, Director general of Demob. for Australia.. Knighted in 1918 and published Australian Victories in France two years later.warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, f m cutlack, war letters of general monash, general monash, victorian engineering institute, 4th brigade, gallopoli, 3rd australian division, australian corps

Medals .3) to .6) belonged to David William Ralph Davies No V245464, enlisted on 19.12.41 age 19 years. At discharge from the Army on 5.12.46 he was a Pte in 57/60th Aust Infantry Battalion.1) Medal, circular, metal, issued to Commemorate Anzac Day 1918. Obverse has head of a soldier with Slouch Hat with wording "Honor to the AIF". Reverse has the words " Gallipoli, France, Palestine". .2) Medal, circular, metal, issued to School children to commemorate Victory and Peace in 1919. Obverse depicts a Women, reverse has figures of a Sailor and Soldier with the wording "Victory the Triumph of Liberty and Justice, the Peace of 1919". Medals, ribbons, single, (4) re D.W.R Davies. .3) Pacific Star. .4) 1939-45 Star. .5) War Medal 1939-45. .6) Australian Service Medal..3) .4) .5) .6) "V245464 D.W.R Davies"medals, memorabilia, military

JOHN WILLIAM GRINTON (born Kerang, enlisted Bendigo) No 1043 enlisted in C Coy 38th Batt AIF on 3.2.1916 aged 23 years. Embarked for England 20.6.1916, disembarked England 10.8.1916, embarked for France 22.11.1916. Promoted to L/Cpl 8.11.1917, WIA 7.6.1917 shell shock and face wound Messiness. Promoted T/Sgt 12.12.1917, promoted Sgt April 1918, WIA 29.9.1918 GSW thigh & right hand Ronssoy Wood, embarked for Australia 8.5.1919, hospitalised 21.8.1919 with Rhinitis. Discharged from the AIF on 17.11.1919. Medals, court mounted, set of 2, in a wooden frame with glass front re J GRINTON. .1) British War Medal 1914 - 18 .2) Victory Medal 1914 - 1919medals, ww1, 38th, framed

Stanley George Allen Hindhaugh (1883-1962), soldier, was born on 12 December 1883 at Camperdown, Victoria. His occupation was Station Manager. 14 April 1904 - Appointed Lieutenant 11th Light Horse Regiment Militia. 3 April 1911 - Promoted to Captain in the Militia. 20 August 1914 - Appointed to the Australian Imperial Forces to A Squadron, 4th Light Horse Regiment at Broadmeadows camp. 19 October 1914 - Embarked for the Middle East from Melbourne with the 4th Light Horse Regiment per Tranport A18 "Wiltshire". 11 December 1914 - Disembarked at Alexandria for camp Mena. 19 May 1915 - Promoted to Major. From 22 May 1915 - On operations at Gallipoli. 6 August 1915 - Noted in the fierce engagement at Leane's Post. 19 August 1915 - Appointed Second in Command 4th Light Horse Regiment. December 1915 - To camp at Tel El Kebir. January 1916 - Acting CO 4th Light Horse Regiment. 21 March 1916 - Embarked Alexandria per "Cestrian" for Marseilles with B Squadron 4th Light Horse Regiment for operations in France and Flanders. 16 February 1917 - Promoted to Lt Colonel. March 1918 - In action at Passchendaele - Awarded Belgian Croix de Guerre. 7 December 1918 - To 2nd Light Horse Regiment. 2nd ANZAC Mounted Regiment. 15 May 1919 - Returned to Australia. 11 October 1919 - Transferred to Reserve of Officers. 1932 - Commanded 20th Light Horse Regiment. 1934 - Commanded 11th Light Horse Regiment. 15 November 1941 - Retired. Full size and miniature sets of medals awarded to Colonel Stanley George Allen Hindhaugh. Comprising: Distinguished Service Order (Flanders 1 June 1918), 1914-1918 Star, British War Medal 1914-1920, Victory Medal (with MID) 1919, War Medal 1939-1945, King George V Coronation 1911, Colonial Officers Auxiliary Forces Decoration, Croix de Guerre (Belgium) 1917. Mounted in glass fronted display case.Plaque in case enscribed: "Decorations of the late Lt Col Stan Hindhaugh 4th Light Horse Regiment. Presented to 4th 19th Motorised Regiment". Adhesive label on case: Alwyn and Barbara Catmore 32 Morrie Crescent Blackburn Vic 3130 (03)8984124 medals, world war, 1, victory medal, 4th light horse, militia, western front, dso, king george v coronation, colonial officers auxiliary decoration, 1914 1918 star, mid, croix de guerrre belgium, passchendaele, 2nd anzac mounted regiment, 20th light horse, 11th light horse

Index, bibliography, notes, ill, p.340.non-fictionIn March 1918, with the fear of a one-million-man American army landing in France, the Germans attacked. In response, Australian soldiers were involved in a number of engagements, culminating in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and the saving of Amiens, and Paris, from German occupation. Then came General John Monash's first victory as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Australian Corps at Hamel. This victory, and the tactics it tested, became crucial to the Allied victory after 8 August, the 'black day of the German Army'. On this day the major Allied counteroffensive began, with the AIF in the vanguard of the attack. The Australians, with the Canadians to the south and the British across the Somme to the north, drove the Germans back, first along the line of the Somme and then across the river to Mont St Quentin, Péronne and on to the formidable Hindenburg Line, before the last Australian infantry action at Montbrehain in early October. Fast-paced and tense, the story of The Last 100 Days is animated by the voices of Australian soldiers as they endured the war's closing stages with humour and stoicism; and as they fought a series of battles in which they played a pivotal role in securing Allied victory. Collapse summary world war 1914- 1918 - campaigns - western front, western front - australian participation - 1918

Index, notes, bibliography, ill, p.298.non-fictionIn the hands of Peter Stanley, one of Australia's leading military historians, a famous battlefield in France becomes unforgettably connected with Australian men and their families in the long aftermath of the Great War.australian army - 21st battalion - 9 platoon - history, world war 1914-1918 - 2nd battle of the somme

Index, ill, bib, maps, p.764.It's early 1918, and after four brutal years, the fate of the Great War hangs in the balance. On the morning of 21 March 1918, the Kaiserschlacht (the Kaiser's battle) is launched. The biggest set-piece battle the world has ever seen. Across a 45-mile front, no fewer than two million German soldiers hurl themselves at the Allied lines, with the specific intention of driving all the way through to the town of Villers-Bretonneux, where their artillery can rain down shells on the key train hub of Amiens, thus throttling the Allied supply lines. For nigh on two weeks, the plan works brilliantly.The Germans are able to advance without check, as the exhausted British troops flee before them, together with tens of thousands of French refugees. In desperation, the British commander, General Douglas Haig, calls upon the Australian soldiers to stop the German onslaught and save Villers-Bretonneux. If the Australians can hold the line, the very gate to Amiens, then the Germans will not win the war. Arriving at Villers-Bretonneux just in time, the Australians launch a vicious counter-attack that hurls the enemy back the first time. And then, on Anzac Day 1918, when the town falls after all to the British defenders, it is again the Australians who are called on to save the day, the town, and the entire battle - even the war

Index, bib, ill, maps, p.163.non-fictionAustralian troops fighting in France between 1917 and 1918world war 1914-1918 - australian involvement, world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - france

When the First World War broke out, Australian men from all backgrounds and professions were called to serve their country.  Members of the Victorian Police force were some of the first to answer the call with twenty men joining the first convoy of soldiers who left Australian shores in October 1914. Over the course of four long years, one hundred and thirty-eight Victorian Police enlisted from stations across the state. Of these, twenty-seven lost their lives. Whilst the fate of each man was different, a deep commitment to protecting and serving the public was common to all. Victoria Police service: Joined: 28/10/1914; Resigned: 3/07/1915 WW1 service: Enlisted: 5 July 1915; Highest rank: Gunner; Regiment: V5A Australian Heavy Trench Mortar Battery; Fate: Died of illness, France, 18 January 1917; Medals: British War and Victory medalsOfficial documentworld war 1, 1914-1918; victoria police; belcher, charles 6041

These medals were awarded to Pte Fincher 3750, who was born in Malmsbury and enlisted for service overseas on the 3 August, 1915, aged 23 years. He embarked aboard the CERAMIC and served with the 14 Bn in France where he was twice wounded. He returned to Australia aboard the SAXON on 11 December 1918.Set of three medals issued to Pte H F Fincher for WW1 serviceBritish Star has Pte Fincher name and number on back. British war medal has name and number on rim Victory medal has name and number on rim.ww1, medals

A soft covered book with a picture of a soldier and his wife on the front of the book.non-fictionThe book tells the story of the men of Nine Platoon, 21st Australia Infantry Battalion, in the capture of Mont St. Quentin on 1st September 1918. It also includes the story of their families and the post-war lives of those who survived. It is a scholarly paperback with appropriate notes and references.world war 1914 - 1918, st. quentin, france, australian participation, history

The 'Memorial Plaque', colloquially often known as the 'Dead Man's Penny' or the 'Widows Penny', is a bronze memorial plaque issued after World War I to the next-of-kin of British Empire service personnel killed in the war. Around 1.35 million were produced. They were treasured by some as a tangible memorial, while others thought that they did not reflect the magnitude of the loss that so many families suffered. Such was the depth of feeling that many were returned. This one was issued to John Thomas Greenwood, who was born in 1898 in London, and emigrated to Australia in 1911, aged around thirteen. He was a resident of Williamstown before he enlisted on 8 June 1917, and was assigned firstly to the 58th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement, and then was reassigned to the 39th Battalion. He boarded the HMAT 'Port Melbourne' for England on 16 July 1917. John’s father William Greenwood also joined up, on the same day as William. After training John was sent ‘on strength’ to France where he joined the 39th Battalion on 23 February 1918. They were about to fight the German ‘Spring Offensive’, the Germany’s last attempt at victory. Unfortunately, two months later John became seriously ill and subsequently died of TB and meningitis on the 12 April 1918, at the age of 20. A WW1 British Empire bronze memorial medal or plaque mounted on a timber shield. It features in relief a large depiction of Britannia, holding a triton and flanked by two small dolphins, with a lion in the foreground. The name of the deceased is in a rectangle. On the lower portion of the plaque is a depiction of a lion cub attacking an eagle. "John Thomas Greenwood" Around edge: "He Died for Freedom and Honour" Edward Carter Preston - designer's initials in front of lion's front paw 'E.Cr.P.'world war i, memorial plaque

James Alexander Nicholl was born 1878 at Ballarat Victoria. He served four years with the 3rd Regiment Victorian Colonial Forces, receiving his commission as an officer after two years. On 1 May 1900, as a 22 year old lieutenant, he sailed with the 4th Victorian Imperial Regiment to South Africa serving there under Colonel NW Kelly for fifteen months. Upon his return to Australia he resumed service with the now, Australian Light Horse. He was adjutant of the 16th (Indi) Light Horse located in northeast Victoria when WWI began. He volunteered for the AIF and was appointed to ‘C’ Squadron 13th Light Horse with the rank of Captain. Nicholl served at Gallipoli, France and UK, returning to Australia in 1919. Again he resumed his service with the CMF, this time with the 20th Light Horse.Rare group of medals awarded to citizen soldier from Victoria with service in Boer War and WWI (1914-1918) and peacetime service with pre-Federation Colonial Forces and post-Federation Citizen Military Forces both before and the war.Swing mounted medal group awarded to Major JA Nicholl being: Queens South African Medal with four clasps - Transvaal, Rhodesia, Cape Colony and South Africa 1901; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer's Decoration (VD). On rim QSA "Lieut J.A. Nicholl Victorian MR"; on reverse 14-15 Star "Captain J.A. Nicholl 13/LH Rgt AIF"; on rim BWM and Victory "Major J.A. Nicholl AIF"; on reverse VD "Major J.A. Nicholl 20th LH"nichol, medal, boer war, wwi, vd, colonial, light horse, 13th, world war one

Taken some time between 1914-18, the photograph depicts an aerial view of Villers-Bretonneux in France, a region which was part of the Western Front during World War I. The image mostly shows rural landscape. The Western Front was the main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war in August 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The German advance was halted with the Battle of the Marne. Following the Race to the Sea, both the French-British and German armies dug in along a meandering line of fortified trenches, stretching from the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with France. The First Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 30 March - 5 April 1918. It took place during Operation Michael, part of the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front. The offensive began against the British Fifth Army and the Third Army on the Somme, and pushed back the British and French reinforcements on the north side of the Somme. The capture of Villers-Bretonneux, close to Amiens, a strategically important road and rail-junction, would have brought the Germans within artillery-range. In late March, troops from the Australian Imperial Force were brought south from Belgium as reinforcements to help shore up the line. In early April, the Germans launched an attack to capture Villers-Bretonneux. After a determined defence by British and Australian troops, the attackers were close to success until a counter-attack by the 9th Australian Infantry Brigade and British troops late in the afternoon of 4 April restored the situation and halted the German advance on Amiens. The Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux occurred between 24 - 27 April 1918, during the German Spring Offensive to the east of Amiens. It is notable for being the first occasion on which tanks fought against each other. A counter-attack by two Australian brigades and a British brigade during the night of 24 April partly surrounded Villers-Bretonneux, and on 25 April, the town was recaptured. On 26 April, the role of the Moroccan division of the French army was crucial in pushing back German units. Australian, British and French troops nearly restored the original front line by 27 April.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. Additionally, the record's significance is enhanced by its depiction of Villers-Bretonneux. The battles that occurred in this town during World War I are especially historically significant to Australia as this is where the Australian Imperial Force had one their greatest World War I victories. An Australian flag still flies over Villers-Bretonneux in the present. Furthermore, a plaque outside the Villers-Bretonneux Town Hall recounts the battles fought to save the town in 1918. Kangaroos feature over the entrance to the Town Hall, and the main street is named Rue de Melbourne. More officially, recognition of the significance of the battle in Villers-Bretonneux is found at the Australian National Memorial, which was built just outside the town. It commemorates all Australians who fought in France and Belgium and includes the names of 10,772 who died in France and have no known grave. Each year, a small ceremony is held at the memorial to mark the sacrifice made by the soldiers. Lastly, 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.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Obverse: yAE.2.35. / 125 / 62d.2834.35.36.VA.5. / 12.G.18-11 / F.-(?)" /military album, wwi, world war i, villers-bretonneux, australian imperial force, aif, france, war, army, conflict, germany, 1918, battle

The Military Medal was awarded to T Adams for his actions during the Battle of Dernacourt,Somme, France ,1918This Military Medal is historically significant for it was won during a critical battle in WWI where Australian troops were rushed into position to halt the German Offensive called Operation Michael. Taking up the role as a Lewis Gunner Thomas Adams was able to protect a section of the Front line he was assigned to. T Adams was also one of a very few men from the Warrnambool district to have been awarded a Military Medal.3 Medals in total 1 Military Medal 1 British War Medal 1 Victory Medal