A large camp of ligh horse regiments took place near Torquay, Victoria in the early months of World War Two. This was the swan song for horsed light horse, shortly after the Victorian regiments converted to mechanised units.Framed black and white photograph of Light Horse near Torquay Victoria in 1940.light horse, torquay, world war two, wwii

The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII.This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph of large group of horsemen on beach and crossing dunes at Torquay, Victoria 1940." The mobilized 20th Light Horse Regiment CMF on Torquay Beach, Victoria in 1940 shortly before its mechanisation and conversion to an Armoured unit. Sun photograph.military, light horse, world war two, torquay, camp

This letter acknowledges help given to the British people by Australians after WW 11. In this case Torquay Golf Club in Victoria Australia sent its President, Mr Vary, with gifts of food to help supplement the 'somewhat restricted menus' of the people of Torquay, Devon, England. Typed letter/testimonial with large red seal and personally signed. Located in a black frame with gold edge. Letter to members of the Torquay Golf Club Australia expressing gratitude for 'generous assistance', such as 'food gifts', given during post war years. Seal of the Borough of Torquay, Devon, England. Signed by Mayor and Justice of the Peace for the Borough. Dated 13th July 1949. postwar, torquay golf club, mr vary, torquay victoria australia, torquay devon england

See also 3089.86. Information with that photo gives an alternative provenance: 8th Light Horse Regiment watering horses at a Murray River lagoon, South Corowa NSW, September 1939; Wahgunyah Troop, C Squadron - this side of lagoon, Lieutenant J. Nott on grey horse in water. The number of horsemen would seem to exceed that of a single regiment so the Torquay description would seem more probable.Black and white photograph ( laminated ) of 8th, 13th,20th, and 4thLight Horse Regiments watering horses near Torquay Victoria , March 1940.Picture taken about March 1940 when the 13th Light Horse from Gippsland, the 8th Light Horse from Upper Murray, the 4th Light Horse from the Western Districts and the 20th Light Horse from the Goulburn Valley were in camp near Torquay. Mr Cappur Webb of Glendoxey, Seymour, a member of the 20th said the picture must have been taken during and exercise about five miles north of Torquay. “We used to water our horses in that lake”, he said." light horse, torquay, wwii, world war two, military, horses

Twin fin surfboard manufactured at Piping Hot Boston Road Torquay. Manufactured from polyurethane foam core and laminated fibreglass with fixed fibreglass fins. Shaped by Mike Patterson. This board is has channels running almost full length on the bottom of the board, the wide point forward of centre, swallow tail with flyer. Custom graphics in red, yellow and green top and bottom; from 1979High performance twin fin designs were pioneered by 4 time Professional World Surfing Champion Mark Richards (Newcastle). In this period 1978 -1981 these surfboards represented the pinnacle of surfboard design progression and high performance. This surfboard also represents Piping Hot which was one of Australia's leading surf 'brands' at that time. Piping Hot was a Torquay based company that produced surfboards,wetsuits and surf clothing. Piping Hot Twin Fin surfboard. Manufactured from polyurethane foam core and laminated fibreglass with fixed fibreglass fins. Full plan shape with channels running almost full length on the bottom of the board, the wide point forward of centre, swallow tail with flyer. Legrope plug fitted. Custom graphics in red, yellow and green top and bottom.20cm x 16cm Black red yellow green Piping Hot logo on deck and bottom 60cm down from nose. Hand written makers mark "Shaped by Mike Patterson Custom" in pencil on blank beside stringer forward of the fins on the bottom. "1459" in pencil on bottom near tail. surfboard, fibreglass, twin fin, piping hot, mike patterson, torquay, channel bottom, fred pyke, rod brooks

This Memorial Booklet was put together by family, friends and members of the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club for a special memorial service held at the club on Saturday 6th November, 2010. 'China' Gilbert was a popular member of the surf club who passed away from ill health in Torquay on 28th September, 2010. The booklet contains a mixture of tributes, black and white and colour photographs of 'China' from his youth through to modern times highlighting his activities at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club and a pioneer surfer in the 1940's and 1950's.This booklet is significant because it commemorates the memory of one of the oldest and most popular members of the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club. The booklet contains historic and rare photographic images of 'China' from his earliest days as a young surfer through to his time as a competitor for the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club and finally senior club member. 'China' was known around Australia for his surfing, mateship and 'larrikin' streak. Over 500 people attended his memorial service and paddle out at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club.24 page full colour booklet with a photo of 'China' Gilbert on the cover holding a bright yellow Quiksilver surfboard. 'China' signature and graphic of a tree.rex china gilbert, china, torquay surf life saving club, longboard, 1956 melbourne olympics, torquay surf beach

This event access pass was issued to staff, vendors and community volunteers at the 2000 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.The access pass is typical of the pass issued each year to the staff and workers at the longest running surfing contest in the world. The pass features unique Indigenous artwork by Torquay artist/surfer Glenn Romanis2000 Rip Curl Pro Access Pass. Full colour laminated access pass (Outside Staff) for the 2000 Rip Curl Pro and Sunsmart Classic. The pass features cover art by Indigenous artist Glenn Romanis and event management logos. The pass also features a site map on the back and access information.Event management logos on the front. Indigenous Bell artwork by Torquay artist/surfer Glenn Romanis.bells beach, rip curl, glenn romanis, surfing victoria, 2000 rip curl pro

The history of the Thunderchild gun is not known. It was presumably manufactured in Torquay in the second half of the 19th century. Such guns were often attached to a ship’s rail through the holes in the swivel base, as in the base of this gun. The guns fired grapeshot and were originally used on ships to repel boarders. They were also used to launch whaling harpoons and were sometimes employed for signalling. The relatively late date makes the latter application most likely. This Thunderchild gun is complete with ramrod and wad remover. It is in good working order and easily assembled. It is used locally for special ceremonies and for Whaleboat Races as a starting gun. (Guns and Cannon, South Wester Victoria, May 2008, ref W/F/03) The small bore cannon is part of a collection of nineteenth century Flagstaff Hill Guns and Cannon, which is classified as being a high level of significance, on State, National and World The nineteenth century artillery pieces are a very rare and representative collection of artillery of this era. The artillery pieces, individually and as a collection, are highly significant for historical, scientific and aesthetic reasons at the state, national and world levels. The artillery pieces are excellent examples of nineteenth century artillery designed for the shore defence of western Victoria in the mid to late 1800s. The collection demonstrates the system of nineteenth century Imperial Defence implemented by Britain and of the recycling of obsolete technology to the colonies by Britain. The collection represents the methods of artillery technology, its advancement and its modifications in order to remain active. It also illustrates the transference of defence technology from Britain to Australia and demonstrates the level of reliance Australia had on British defence equipment. The artillery pieces form prominent elements in their landscapes and, together with the batteries and sites in which they are located, create a strong visual link to the region’s defence history. Importantly the artillery pieces, individually and as a collection, represent a very rare and intact group of nineteenth century artillery. Very few examples of nineteenth century artillery have survived worldwide, the largest collections being sited in Canada. The collection is a rare collection of artillery which demonstrates the advancements made in artillery technology during the nineteenth century, and is one of the largest collections of nineteenth century artillery in Australia. Further, the collection is extremely intact, with most pieces retaining original carriages and many located within their original emplacement. This collection of artillery, with their carriages and in their locations, are of exceptional national significance as they represent the largest intact collection of artillery within a single defensive network, outside of major colonial ports. The collection of nineteenth century carriages and slides are in themselves an extremely rare and important collection, however their significance is enhanced by their placements within batteries and with guns. (Conservation Management Plan for Victorian Guns and Cannon, South Western Victoria, May 2008) Cannon; small 1pdr cast iron, smooth bore muzzle loading swivel gun, painted glass black. 19th century cannon has polished wood handle, two detachable metal stirrups and metal swivel base with cuff, attached to block of wood by four bolts. Accessories are a wood tamper and wood ramrod. Name on gun is Thunder-Child, Torquay, Vic. There are Maker’s Marks on the gun and base, and a number on the cannon.. Marks; Barrel "Thunder/ Child". Base cuff " THUNDER / -CHILD / TORQUAY / VIC ", Trunnion "2825/H"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, cannon, torquay, thunder child cannon, thunderchild cannon, signal cannon, muzzle loading cannon, ordinance, munitions

The Torquay Improvement Association was formed in 1889 to promote the development of Torquay. The book tells of exploits over the hundred years from 1889 to 1989.The Torquay Improvement Association was behind many of the improvements that took place in Torquay in the period. The book is a record of these happenings.Soft Cover Blue Book "Torquay Improvement Association Inc./One Hundred Years/...a short history/1889/1989."torquay improvement association, torquay victoria australia

James Baines was principal of Torquay primary school, a local historian and genealogist and authority on Australian plants. He and his wife Ray were responsible for the manufacture and erection of street signs in the fledgling township of Torquay circa 1937. The signs were later removed by the Council and replaced by "official" signage.A great example of local initiative and community involvement.A collection of wooden hand painted street signs. Beales St. Cliff St. Cowrie Rd. Darrien Rd. Fischer St. Grandview Rd. Henty St. New St. Park La. Price St. Short St. Voss Rd. Walker St. Zeally Bay Rd.torquay victoria, baines, early street signs

This is an object retrieved from the wreck of the Joseph H Scammell lost off Point Danger at Torquay in 1891.The Scammell was one of the trading vessels lost off the south coast of Victoria in the days of sail.Rectangular plain glass dishshipwrecks great ocean road victoria, shipwreck, great ocean road, port phillip heads, point danger, torquay, victoria, joseph h. scammell, new york city, 1891

Photograph shows a young lady sitting on the beach wall at Torquay in front of the bathing boxes.The beach boxes in the background were a feature of the beachfront until 1953.Black and white photographtorquay victoria, bathing boxes

Photograph shows beachgoers gathered at Torquay front beach around a display of lifesaving equipment.A memory of early Torquay.torquay victoria, bathing boxes, lifesaving boat and buoy, beach wear

Photograph shows crowds of beachgoers on Torquay front beach in front of bathing boxes.The bathing boxes in the background were a feature of the Torquay foreshore until 1953. A water tower, long removed, is also visible in the background.Black and white photographtorquay victoria., bathing boxes, beach crowds early 1900s, beach wear

Photograph shows the Rotunda that once stood on Rocky Point adjacent to the Torquay back beachThe rotunda and bathing boxes were a significant feature of the pre 1950s Torquay beachfront.Black and white photograph.torquay victoria, bathing boxes

Photograph shows a young boy sitting on Torquay beach in front of a bathing box.Bathing boxes were a feature of the Torquay beachfront pre 1950sBlack and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows a bathing beauty in a neck to knee costume posing on Torquay beach.A nostalgic memory of a past generation.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

The photograph shows a group of young girls in swimming costumes and two young men in blazers on a Torquay beach with bathing boxes in the background.A memory of early beach culture at TorquayBlack and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows four young girls bathing at a Torquay beach.A memory of past days at the beach.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph likely taken at the mouth of Spring Creek where it enters the sea at the Torquay back beach. Three girls and a boy are wading in the creek watched by adults wearing suits and dresses standing on the sand.A picture of beach recreation in past times.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows a tree carving on the esplanade adjacent to the Torquay front beach based on the figurehead of the barque Inverlochy, a Scottish trading ship wrecked off nearby Anglesea on 8 December 1902. The original figurehead had been saved and mounted on a flagpole at Torquay but it disappeared in the 1950s. In 2001-02 local sculptor Mark Trinham carved a replica image of the figurehead into a 80 year old dead cypress tree on the site of the original flagpole. The Inverlochy was one of many ships that ended their seafaring days on the south coast of Victoria.Black and white photographtorquay victoria, wreck of the inverlochy, wood carving

Photo shows a young woman dressed in shorts and sandshoes holding a body board on the beach at Torquay. The young lady's name is believed to be Yvonne Evans.A memory of a balmy beach day.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows two young children in bathing suits holding hands on the beach near Point Danger at Torquay.A memory of early TorquayBlack and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows five young boys and a baby standing on a wooden structure on the beach and wearing a variety of beach wear.The bathing boxes in the background were a feature of the Torquay beachscape until the 1950s.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows six men on Torquay beach dressed in womens bathing costumes.Torquay swimmers showing their feminine side?Black and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows a family group in swimwear, wrapped in towels and blankets, on the beach at Torquay with bathing boxes in the background.A record of beach fashions, and bathing boxes that had disappeared from the beach by the 1950s.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows four adults and two children sitting on the rocks at the beach at Torquay.A nostalgic beach sceneBlack and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows seven children in bathing costumes with two parasols on the beach at Torquay. The three eldest girls are believed to be Betty, Yvonne and Peggy Evans.A memory of a day at the beach.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

Photograph shows eleven lady bathers immersed in the sea showing off an array of bathing hats to a group of admiring spectators on Torquay beach.A record of fashionable headwear.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

The fishing basket was the property of Felix Rosser an early settler and fisherman in Torquay.Felix Rosser was a well known early settler in Torquay. This fishing basket and equipment belonged to him.A wicker fishing basketfishing equipment, torquay victoria, felix rosser