The Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) was a civil defence formed on 31st December 1941 as part of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) support during World War II. The VAOC rapidly developed observation posts manned by men and women all over Australia, the main purpose being to identify and report any aircraft movement to an RAAF regional base. During the early days of 1942 the posts were manned 24 hours a day, gradually relaxing as the threat to Australia lessened. All members were continually trained in aircraft identification and provided an invaluable service to the RAAF. The VAOC was disbanded in April 1946. During its operation over 2,600 observations posts were maintained and approximately 25,000 personnel served. These certificates were presented to Mrs. H (Hazel) Penfold and Mr. A. R. (Alexander Rex) Penfold in recognition of 3 years of service during this period. Hazel was the daughter of Mark Ellwood and Rosina Mary Smale and the older sister of Grace, wife of John Hamilton-Smith. The family of Grace and John Hamilton-Smith have donated many items to the Wodonga & District Historical Society. This item commemorates one of the important roles played by civilians on a local, state and national level during WW2 and is attached to a local Wodonga family.2 coloured certificates on cream paper. The design includes 2 aircraft and a man and woman positioned between with the Union Jack and the Australian flag in the top section above the Royal Australian Air Force insignia and the words "For King and Country" Dark cream columns with a pale blue surround frame the details on the certificate. 3 one Years service stickers are attached at the bottom above the insignia of the Volunteer Air Observers Corps.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs H. Penfold by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officer volunteer air observers corps, vaoc, civilians in ww2, hamilton-smith collection

During World War II Linton residents used to be rostered voluntarily to meet at the Linton Court House and observe any aircraft which might fly over.During World War II Linton residents used to be rostered voluntarily to meet at the Linton Court House and observe any aircraft which might fly over.Circular badge of blue, white and red enameled concentric circles depicting an eagle. Serial number 15285 stamped on reverse.Text, front: ' VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS / OBSERVER. 'volunteer air observers corps, world war ii, volunteers

During WWII there were volunteers all over Australia observing air activity every night. This certificate is one that was presented to the volunteers who manned the observation points. This certificate was presented to Mr Gordon White of Mount Beauty who was one such volunteer on the 20th Sept. 1945.The State Electricity Commission of Victoria were constructing the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme during World War 2. Workers lived at Bogong where the SECV supplied a hut for volunteers to observe air traffic during World War II. Mr Gordon White was a volunteer at the time. See also KVHS 0937 (photo) and KVHS 1259 (Training Manual)Laminated coloured A3 size Certificate of appreciation RAAF for Volunteer Air Observers Corps.volunteer air observer corps; certificate; state electricity commission of victoria; bogong; gordon white

Used during WW2. Trentham Air Observers Corps logbook of plane traffic spotted from Cranney's Hill lookout. The lookout was located one mile east of Trentham township. The Observers were volunteers, mainly women.Foolscap sized book with brown paper cover. Hand-written entries.trentham, volunteer air observers corps, spotters, cranney's hill, shirley trewella, gamble, world war 2, home front, log-book

In World War 2 residents of Victoria were concerned about enemy attack so a series of Spotters Huts were established along the coast. In Lorne the Spotters Hut was at Queenspark in the old recreation building. Many locals volunteered their time. The plaque was made by the Lorne Historical Society to honour these people who volunteered to join the Air Observers Corp. A rectangular thin Metal sheet , with black printing. This plaque was made in 1997 as a project of the Lorne Historical Society to pay tribute to the Spotters who worked in the spotters cabin at Queens Park Lorne during the Second World War. It listed all the names of the know Spotters, Win Allen, Nita Armistead, George Armitage, Olga Armitage, Grace Brown, George Crabbe, Monty Craig’s, Margaret Cunningham, Marj Gaylord, Marj Grant, Annie Stirling, Margie Fairbairn, Sheila McIntyre, Wilhemena Morris, Murray Morton, Nick Murnane, Eva Norton, Miss Pethabridge, Eileen Quick, Chas Read, Rev Ken Robert’s, Jack Stirling, Fred Harlock, Nellie Harlock, Cleve Herbert, Joyce Herbert, Hubert Howell, Bert Hughes, Helen Hughes, Enid Jarrett, Alice Kendrick, Marion Kendrick, Rowley Valentine, Mrs G Schram, Don Stewart , Hector Stribling, Cyril Barcoe, Rev Wilson, Kevin Dare, Cliff Green, Shirley Heathcote, Murray Milne. The plaque was placed on the Spotters Hut in 1997 but removed when the hut was remodeledspotters, world war 2, queens park, second world war

The Volunteers Air Observers was formed in 1941 with the aim of observing aircraft flying over Australia. There were over 24000 civilians volunteering their services and as the military threat to Australia subsided they took on roles as coast and weather watching. This certificate was presented to Miss S. McDonald of Warrnambool.A common item presented to people who contributed to the defence of Australia while in a civilian role.Cream paper with aircraft and Union Jack flags at top with man and woman in between with Royal Australian Air Force insignia below. Pale blue surrounding dark cream columns framing the details on the certificate. One Years service stickers x 2 on bottom For King and Empire. Presented to Miss S McDonald by the Royal Australian Air Force Volunteers air Observers Corps. Signed by G jones Air Vice Marshal volunteer air observers corps,, miss s mcdonald warrnambool

The Volunteer Air Observers Corps was an Australian air defence organisation of World War II.It was formed on 31 December 1941 to support the Royal Australian Air Force by sighting and observing aircraft over Australia.It swiftly established observation posts across Australia and provided information to the RAAF's regional air control posts. As the threat to Australia declined its role was expanded to include coast watching, assisting air traffic control and weather reporting. The corps was staffed by civilian volunteers and reached a peak strength of 24,000 personnel and 2,656 observation posts in 1944. After the end of the war the VAOC was reduced to a cadre in December 1945 and was disbanded on 10 April 1946. The Volunteer Air Observers Corps was an Australian air defence organisation of World War II. This certificate is a record of the participation of members of the Orbost district. Anita Armistead, wife of Francis Armistead had a son, Sydney, who served as a gunner in Malaysia during WW11.A certificate of service awarded to Mrs F. Armistead for being a volunteer in the Air Observers Corps. It was awarded on 20 Sept, 1945 for one year's service.For King and Empire Presented to Mrs F. Armistead by the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE As a record and in appreciation of patriotic response to the call of country by serving in the VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS This 20th day of September 1945 signed G. Jones Air Vice Marshall Chief of Air Staff signed ? Unit Commanding Officercertificate ww11 air-observers-corps

The Volunteers Air Observers was formed in 1941 with the aim of observing aircraft flying over Australia. There were over 24000 civilians volunteering their services and as the military threat to Australia subsided they took on roles as coast and weather watching. This photograph shows a group of local volunteers at their work. Mrs. S Hamilton, Mrs. J Lees, F/O E F English, Mrs. R Picton, Mr. Ralph Barnes and Miss S McDonaldA local item which relates to an organization which operated around Australia in the 1940’s. Small newspaper cutting with photograph with six people around a table. Text is underneath the photo. The back has an advertisement for Fletcher Jones clothingThe picture shows a control room manned by volunteer personnel. Here the plotters are marking positions of aircraft with symbols on a map of the surrounding district while the Teller in the raised chair sends reports on to the Air Force, which thus has a check of all planes left to right Mrs. S Hamilton, Mrs. J Lees, F/O E F English, Mrs. R Picton, Mr. Ralph Barnes and Miss S McDonald volunteer air observers corps,, volunteer air observers corps,, mrs. s hamilton,, mrs. j lees,, f/o e f english, mrs. r picton, mr. ralph barnes, miss s mcdonald warrnambool

The Volunteers Air Observers was formed in 1941 with the aim of observing aircraft flying over Australia. There were over 24000 civilians volunteering their services and as the military threat to Australia subsided they took on roles as coast and weather watching. This is a personal member’s pass owned by Shirley McDonald Volunteers No 223 dated 22/08/1942A personal item which relates to a national organization which operated in the mid 20th-Century. Small cream card with maroon printed text. Personal details are typed in black and signatures are signed in black. Back of the card is orange. Signed S McDonald volunteer air observers corps,, shirley mcdonald warrnambool, warrnambool volunteers air observers corps

Certificate presented to D L Parry by the Royal Australian Airforce in appreciation of his services in the Volunteer Air Observer Corps, dated 20 September 1945. Certificate shows Royal Australian Airforce Badge, illustrations of observers and aeroplanes, volunteer Air Observers Corps Badge, and one year's service (two of) attached stickers.person, individual, daniel leslie parry

Volunteer Air Observers Corps Badge. Enamelled navy outer circle, white middle circle, red centre with gold eagle in flight superimposed in circles. Mounted on red velour in gold metal frame.numismatics-badges-military, passchendaele barracks trust, air observer

Official photos - Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme constructed by State Electricity Commission of VictoriaOfficial photos of KHES in the Kiewa Valley1. Post Office - Bogong - 26th February 1940 2. Volunteer Air Observers Post - Bogong - 24th May 1943 3. Volunteer Air Observers Corps - Bogong - 24th May 1943khes, secv

Enamelled VAOC Observer badge. Single pin on back. Colours: red circle in centre overlaid with stylised eagle in gold; white surrounding ring and blue outer ring with gold lettering.Front: (Centre) stylised eagle / Observer; (Edge) Volunteer Air Observers Corps. Back: This badge is the / property of the / Department of Air / 27582 / Stokes.vaoc, observer, ww2

Hand written list of war restrictions: On paper with blue lines for writing, sheet came from a writing pad. War situation Ordinance Factory Guns. Con on Trams. Guards - Women in Industry - Stacking. Man power regulations. Direction of Labour. Rationing Coupon System. Black Marketing. Black out regulations - Street lighting, Shops and Homes. 100 mile inland. Road Signs. Shovels for road trenches. Petrol rationing. 4 Galls Police Supplies. Women in slacks for Winter. Power restrictions. Air raid wardens. Organise spare ........... Race course was camp. Show grounds was camp also. American troops billeted with us. Volunteer Air observers. Corps. All planes to be accounted for and ......................................................Severe Winters. Radiators banned. Box 625

SUMMARY - Ernest W (Bon) Barrie, 1909 – 1985 Profile Melton Mechanics Institute Member 1935 - 1982i Trustee 1952 - 1982 Life Member 1968 Years of service – 47 years He constructed and provided a public address system which was used at Melton and district halls and sports grounds for a wide variety of community events including school sports, gymkhanas, theatrical productions and processions. Fire Brigade Melton Fire Brigade (and predecessor Bush Fire Brigade) Apparatus Officer, 1945 - 1953 Captain, 1951 - 1965 Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades’ Group Elected Group Officer, on the formation of the Group, 1967. As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Recipient of the Queens Medal, 1979 Recognised for 44 years of service on the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial Wall Plaque, dedicated May 2013 Melton State School, no 430 Committee – School Correspondent (secretarial and financial role) 34 years of Service Provided his Amplifier Equipment for events and the annual district School Sports from 1939-1973. Donated the House Athletic Shield Melton and District Historical Society 1968 – 1985 President and foundation member Willows Historical Park – supported the establishment of the park and contributed many volunteers hours in the construction and landscaping of the precinct Member, Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies, 1980s Shire of Melton Councillor South Riding, 1969-1971 Member of the Water Trust Melton Uniting Church Melton Uniting Church (and its predecessors the Methodist, Methodist-Presbyterian churches). A lifetime association which extended from childhood when he attended Sunday school until his death in 1985. Member of the Presbyterian Board of Management for more than 25 years in which he held positions of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Board member of the Parish Council and Member of the Committee of Management. He was a Sunday school teacher 1933. Community development With Mr RC Butler met with Shire Council in 1937 to canvass residents to ascertain prospective Electric consumers in the district. Electricity was subsequently turned on at dusk on 20th December 1939. Melton Progress Association, including Melton Musical, Elocutionary and Vocal Competitions, Vice President 1939 1940 Melton Development Association, 1960s Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC)ii Carried out plane spotting at Shire Office and spotting tower in Melton and later from home until 1944/45. Agriculture and farming Progress and Better Farming Association, Melton. Honorary Secretary, 1935 Member, Agricultural Engineering Society Australia c1960-1985 A successful grower of wheat, oats and barley, he planted experiment plots and held Field Days on the “Darlingsford” property. He later diversified into other grains and sheep (wool and meat). He took a enthusiastic interest in agricultural engineering and was keen to introduce innovative ideas that improved the productivity of farms and farming practices. In the mid 1950 he conducted trials during harvest on the family property of the original mechanical hay fork built on a British Bedford truck by Bill Gillespie. This design was further refined in collaboration with the Gillespie brothers and resulted in the construction the hydraulically operated tractor mounted hay fork. The innovative design of the hay fork created interest from far and wide and was quickly taken up by farmers because it significantly reduced hand labouring of loading sheaves of hay with a pitch fork. His father established chaff mills in Melton, Rockbank, Parwan, Diggers Rest in the first decade of 1900 and in 1915 went into partnership with JR Schutt to establish the Schutt & Barrie Pty. Ltd. Chaff Cutting and Flour Mill in West Footscray. When it ceased trading in 1968 the directors were: Ernest W Barrie and Thomas L Barrie, R, A, and M Schutt. Awards Queens Medal, 1979 Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Service held at Melton Uniting Church local identities

SUMMARY - Ernest W (Bon) Barrie, 1909 – 1985 Profile Melton Mechanics Institute Member 1935 - 1982i Trustee 1952 - 1982 Life Member 1968 Years of service – 47 years He constructed and provided a public address system which was used at Melton and district halls and sports grounds for a wide variety of community events including school sports, gymkhanas, theatrical productions and processions. Fire Brigade Melton Fire Brigade (and predecessor Bush Fire Brigade) Apparatus Officer, 1945 - 1953 Captain, 1951 - 1965 Mt Cotterill Fire Brigades’ Group Elected Group Officer, on the formation of the Group, 1967. As Group Communications Officer he operated the VL3 LY base radio station from home on a 24 hour basis for fire brigades of Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Diggers Rest, Toolern Vale, Truganina and Werribee. With his brother Edgar, he built the first Melton Fire Truck. It was housed on the family property until a fire station was constructed in the Melton township. Recipient of the Queens Medal, 1979 Recognised for 44 years of service on the Melton Fire Brigade Memorial Wall Plaque, dedicated May 2013 Melton State School, no 430 Committee – School Correspondent (secretarial and financial role) 34 years of Service Provided his Amplifier Equipment for events and the annual district School Sports from 1939-1973. Donated the House Athletic Shield Melton and District Historical Society 1968 – 1985 President and foundation member Willows Historical Park – supported the establishment of the park and contributed many volunteers hours in the construction and landscaping of the precinct Member, Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies, 1980s Shire of Melton Councillor South Riding, 1969-1971 Member of the Water Trust Melton Uniting Church Melton Uniting Church (and its predecessors the Methodist, Methodist-Presbyterian churches). A lifetime association which extended from childhood when he attended Sunday school until his death in 1985. Member of the Presbyterian Board of Management for more than 25 years in which he held positions of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Board member of the Parish Council and Member of the Committee of Management. He was a Sunday school teacher 1933. Community development With Mr RC Butler met with Shire Council in 1937 to canvass residents to ascertain prospective Electric consumers in the district. Electricity was subsequently turned on at dusk on 20th December 1939. Melton Progress Association, including Melton Musical, Elocutionary and Vocal Competitions, Vice President 1939 1940 Melton Development Association, 1960s Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC)ii Carried out plane spotting at Shire Office and spotting tower in Melton and later from home until 1944/45. Agriculture and farming Progress and Better Farming Association, Melton. Honorary Secretary, 1935 Member, Agricultural Engineering Society Australia c1960-1985 A successful grower of wheat, oats and barley, he planted experiment plots and held Field Days on the “Darlingsford” property. He later diversified into other grains and sheep (wool and meat). He took a enthusiastic interest in agricultural engineering and was keen to introduce innovative ideas that improved the productivity of farms and farming practices. In the mid 1950 he conducted trials during harvest on the family property of the original mechanical hay fork built on a British Bedford truck by Bill Gillespie. This design was further refined in collaboration with the Gillespie brothers and resulted in the construction the hydraulically operated tractor mounted hay fork. The innovative design of the hay fork created interest from far and wide and was quickly taken up by farmers because it significantly reduced hand labouring of loading sheaves of hay with a pitch fork. His father established chaff mills in Melton, Rockbank, Parwan, Diggers Rest in the first decade of 1900 and in 1915 went into partnership with JR Schutt to establish the Schutt & Barrie Pty. Ltd. Chaff Cutting and Flour Mill in West Footscray. When it ceased trading in 1968 the directors were: Ernest W Barrie and Thomas L Barrie, R, A, and M Schutt. Awards Queens Medal, 1979 Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Photographs of Bon Barrielocal identities, pioneer families

Date made February 1944Black and white photograph showing Miss Jessie Muir, Chief Observer cutting the ribbon to declare open the Volunteer Air Observors Corps tower on Esplanade, Lakes Entrance Victoriahistoric sites, volunteering, world war 1939 - 1945