Showing 28 items
matching volunteer defence force
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Werribee RSL Sub Branch
Book, Military History, ON GUARD WITH THE VOLUNTEER DEFENCE FORCE, 1944 (exact)
... ON GUARD WITH THE VOLUNTEER DEFENCE FORCE....volunteer defence force... world war two vdc v d c volunteer defence force volunteer ...The Voluteer Defence Corps decided to have their own book to help people understand the Corps. In it's early years it was raised and maintained by the Return Soldiers League. The original mambers had all served in the late war. The book appeared on the Fourth Anniversary of V.D.C establishment in Australia.TO OUR COMRADES MEN AND WOMEN OF THE FIGHTING SERVICES 'Thesea re the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service to their country; be he that stands it now; tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have the consultion with us, that the harder the confilct the more glorious the triumph"...world war two, vdc, v d c, volunteer defence force, volunteer defence corps, return soldiers league, aaho7 1 -
Werribee RSL Sub Branch
Book, Military History, ON GUARD WITH THE VOLUNTEER DEFENCE FORCE, 1944 (exact)
... ON GUARD WITH THE VOLUNTEER DEFENCE FORCE....volunteer defence force... world war two vdc v d c volunteer defence force volunteer ...The Voluteer Defence Corps decided to have their own book to help people understand the Corps. In it's early years it was raised and maintained by the Return Soldiers League. The original mambers had all served in the late war. The book appeared on the Fourth Anniversary of V.D.C establishment in Australia.TO OUR COMRADES MEN AND WOMEN OF THE FIGHTING SERVICES 'These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service to their country; be he that stands it now; tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have the consultion with us, that the harder the confilct the more glorious the triumph"...world war two, vdc, v d c, volunteer defence force, volunteer defence corps, return soldiers league, aaho7 1 -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Book - With the Volunteer Defence Force, On Guard
... With the Volunteer Defence Force... melbourne On Guard Book With the Volunteer Defence Force ... -
Port Fairy Historical Society Museum and Archives
Photograph
... defence force garrison in uniform... and white Photograph of 10 members of the volunteers defence force ...P.F. Garrison (bearded man Andrew Kell) Andrew Kell was the leader of PF Garrison so would assume he is the man in the front.Black and white Photograph of 10 members of the volunteers defence force garrison in uniformdefence, port fairy, garrison, group, men, uniform, andrew kell -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Book, On Guard with the Volunteer Defence Corps
... volunteer defence force in wwii... defence force in wwii europe 2 x On Guard with the Volunteer ...Krithia, Quinn's Post Lone Pine, The Nek, Hill 971, SAri Bair, Chunuk Bair, Hill 60, Fromelles, Ypres, Messines, Menin Road, Broodseinde, Polygon Wood, Paschendalle, Strazeele, Pozieres, Moquet Farm, Bullecourt, Villes Bret, Hamel, Mont St. Quintin, Peronne, Hindenburg Line, Romani, Magdhaba, Rafa, Gaza, Beersheba, Jerusalem, Jericho, Es Salt, Amman, Megiddo, Sharon, Damascus.2 x On Guard with the Volunteer Defence Corpsvolunteer defence force in wwii, europe -
Orbost & District Historical Society
certificate, 1945
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 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Clothing - Leather Leggings, 1899 to 1918
The subject leather leggings are associated with mounted troops known as the Australian Light Horse that served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. After the war, Britain wanted to use fewer mounted troops and restructured its force around a style of combat that needed more infantry. But the defence of Australia still relied upon mounted military units as these were more mobile than infantry and could travel faster over long distances. Light Horse brigades in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) mostly contained recruits who served in the Light Horse regiments of the Citizen Forces. Many young men from rural areas of Australia volunteered for the Light Horse regiments. They had to pass a riding test to join, this test was easier for men from the bush because horses were still the main method of transport on farms and in country towns. The army did not officially accept First Australians into the AIF until May 1917 when enlistment standards were relaxed to include 'half-castes' with a parent of European origin. Indigenous soldiers served as valuable members of the Light Horse and many possessed excellent horse handling skills and specialist tracking knowledge.The subject items are part of the uniform for the Light Horse Units that served in the Australian army from 1899 until 1918. These leggings were worn by soldiers on horseback and are significant as they represent a noteworthy time in Australia's early military history. It was a time when many young men gave their lives during the South African and First World Wars in the defence of the then British Empire as part of the Imperial Forces that were gathered from many British-controlled Colonial countries.A pair of two Leather Leggings used by Mounted Australian soldiers during the first world war. The leggings are dark tan in colour with stitching to attach buckles and fastener straps. The strap buckles are made of brass and the leather legging straps are of same leather as leggings. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, leggings, leather leggings, protective leggings, protective clothing, australian mounted light horse units, military equipment -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Certificate, RAAF S McDonald 1945, Circa 1945
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 -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Lara 6th Battalion, 1940
Photograph of the Lara Members of the 6th Battalion Defence Force Corps 1940. All members listed under the photograph.Photo of Lara Defence Corps taken in 1940 include members from Lara Victoria. All members in the photograph named.Black and white Photograph on A4 paperLara Members of the 6th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps 1940 Members listed under the photograph -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Book, British and Foreign Bible Society, NEW TESTAMENT POCKET BIBLE, 1939
Ronald Leslie Gregory (R/22961) served in the Australian Royal Navy. Born 5th August 1921, he enlisted on the 7th March 1939, and served on the HMAS Kuttabul II. He was discharged in 1948. The bible forms part of a collection of Ronald Leslie's belongings that were donated to the Lara RSL in 2006.Royal blue New Testament pocket sized. Presented by 'The British and Foreign Bible Society'. New South Wales Auxillary. To members of the Navy and Air Force volunteering for Active Service in defence of the British Empire. Name: Ronald L. Gregory REverand A. W. Stuart B. A. General Secretary Sydney 1940 [name: unable to be read] Chaplain H.M.A.S. Australia world war 2, ww2, wwii, hmas australia -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Set 4 photographs. and others for Torquay Light Horse camp, 1940
These images capture for all time Light Horsemen travelling through Geelong on their way to camp at Torquay for the last Group meeting in Australia . information following - details obtained from .........https://torquayhistory.com/light-horse-brigade/ On Australia Day, 1997, Sir John Young unveiled this plaque on Point Danger, Torquay. Torquay history, Light Horse Training Camp, WW2 Plaque at Pt. Danger Note----- (See images to view plaque) The plaque identifies a significant event in Torquay’s history and the sentiments of ‘change’ for the Light Horse Brigade – from horses to machines. In 1940 the four Light Horse Regiments (4th, 8th, 13th and 20th), some 5000 Light Horse and 2000 horses camped and trained at Torquay. Three other regiments, formerly mounted on horses, were also at Torquay ‘mounted’ on privately owned trucks and cars. Division troops included Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Field Ambulance and other branches of the Army necessary to enable a Division to function. It wasn’t just the sheer numbers of men coming to this little town that made the event significant, it was also the fact that the men of the Light Horse were dramatic, almost glamorous figures and it is easy to see their exploits as some splendid adventure. Horses have played a special role in the story of Australia. They were the only means of transport across this huge country, so it was necessary for everyone to have the ability to ride a horse. When war broke out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers of South Africa (“Boer” was Dutch for “farmer”) Australia sent troops to fight. At first Britain was wary of using untried, unprofessional colonial cavalrymen but soon saw that the slouch-hatted Australian “bushmen” were a match for the fast-moving and unconventional mounted commandos of the Boers. The Australians proved themselves to be expert rough-riding horsemen and good shots. Bush life had hardened them to go for long periods with little food and water. They also showed remarkable ability to find their way in a strange country and use its features for cover, in both attack and defence. By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Men were given remounts (if not using their own horses) – army horses bought by Commonwealth purchasing officers from graziers and breeders. These were called “walers” because they were a New South Wales stockhorse type – strong, great-hearted animals with the strains of the thoroughbred and semi-draught to give them speed, strength and stamina. On 1st November, 1914, Australia’s First Infantry Division and the first four Light Horse regiments sailed for England in a fleet of transport ships. The first of the Light Horse arrived at Gallipoli in May without their horses. Back with their horses after Gallipoli, they were formidable combatants across the Sinai and Palestine. Some British commanders observed that the light horseman moved with a “lazy, slouching gait, like that of a sleepy tiger” but described how the promise of battle “changes that careless gait, into a live athletic swing that takes him over the ground much quicker than other troops”. They had Light Horse, Torquay, training campdeveloped a reputation as formidable infantrymen. The Turks called them “the White Ghurkas” – a reference to their deadly skill with the bayonet. The Arabs called them “The Kings of the Feathers”. The plume had originally been a battle honour of the Queensland Mounted Infantry for their work in the shearer’s strike of 1891. During WW1 it was adopted by almost all the Light Horse Regiments. It was the proud badge of the light horseman. The most famous of their battles was the attack on Beersheba- the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Mounted infantrymen and their superb walers had carried out one of the most successful cavalry charges in history – against what seemed impossible odds. They surprised the Turks by charging cavalry-style, when they would normally have ridden close to an objective then dismounted to fight. The fall of Beersheba swung the battle tide against the Turks in Palestine; and changed the history of the Middle East. While 19 men from the Surf Coast Shire served with the 4th Light Horse over the course of WW1, only four were involved in the charge of Beersheba- John GAYLARD, Philip QUINN.(Winchelsea); Wallace FINDLAY (Anglesea); Harry TRIGG (Bambra). After the war, Light Horse units played a key role in the Australian Government’s compulsory military training programme. The Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F.) thrived on the glamour of the wartime Light Horse tradition, ignoring the possibility that motor vehicles would soon replace the horses. When training was no longer compulsory, the C.M.F. regiments declined and horses became more of a luxury during the 1930s depression years of poverty and unemployment. Some regiments were motorised. Then, in 1939, Australia joined Britain in another world war. Training was increased for the militia at both home bases and regional training camps. The camp at Torquay in 1940, commanded by Major General Rankin, was at Divisional strength. By the end of the camp some felt that the Division was ready for active service. Gradually, over the next four years, the Australian Light Horse units were mounted on wheels and tracks and the horses were retired. Six men enlisted at the Torquay camp and another 57 men and women enlisted at Torquay for service in WW2. Those who served in the Militia provided valuable Officers and NCOs and men for the armed services during the war. Each infantry division of the 2nd AIF had a Light Horse regiment attached to it. But the day of the Australian mounted soldier hadn’t quite passed. During World War II, Australia’s 6th Cavalry Regiment formed a mounted unit they called “The Kelly Gang” which did valuable scouting work. In New Guinea, a mounted Light Horse Troop did patrol duty and helped carry supplies. Some fully equipped walers were flown into Borneo for reconnaissance in rugged mountain country. But by the end of the war, in 1945, the horse had disappeared from the Australian Army. References: Australian Light Horse Association www.lighthorse.org.au National Australia Archives Australian War Memorial Surf Coast Shire WW1 memorials www.togethertheyserved.com The Light horse- a Cavalry under Canvas Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Late in 1939 it was decided to set up a Lighthorse training camp in Torquay to train both men and horses for the battles of the Second World War. Horses, men and equipment came on special trains from all over Victoria and NSW, and as you would expect horseman came from areas such as Omeo and Sale, the Wimmera and the Western District. They arrived at the Geelong racecourse for watering in the Barwon River and then were ridden across the ford at the breakwater and began their 11 mile trek to Torquay. Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Tent city By the end of January 1940 the camp at Torquay accommodated some 5000 men and 2500 horses of the Second Cavalry Division. The rows of horses, tents and huts near Blackgate Road were quite a sight. While the cavalrymen engaged in exercises on the land and on the beaches, many of the troops took over the Torquay School for special training of men and officers. Mr Bob Pettit local farmer and Councillor for the Barrabool Shire, wrote about the Light horse in the Surf Coast Community News in 1985 saying “They used to travel about the district riding four abreast in one long convoy. To my annoyance they went through my property and shut all the gates behind them. I had certain gates open to let stock in to the water holes and it would take me three -quarters of an hour to follow the horsemen up and put all the gates right again” he continued “the men from the Light Horse were here when the fire went through in March 1940. He recalled an incident when early one morning, as some one blew the bugle, a soldier putting a white sheet on the line frightened the horses. They panicked and ran off in all directions. Six went over the cliff near Bird Rock, five were never found, and the rest were gathered up after nearly a fortnight in the bush around Addiscott and Anglesea" Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2, Geelong Parade Geelong parade The training camp culminated in a parade through the streets of Geelong on March 12th 1940. The salute was given at the Town Hall and the troops continued on a route to the You Yang’s for a training exercise. Note-----(see media section for photograph) The Camp was abandoned in mid 1940 as it was deemed unsuitable for training during winter and the cost of a permanent camp could not be justified if it could not be used all year. Historic.......Rare,,,Interpretive.Sepia photographs.set of four ....post card size ....Horses &LighthorsemenNo 1, Lighthorsemen Regiment Geelong 1940......No 2 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940....No 3 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940.....No 4 Light Horse crossing Breakwater camped at Geelong Showgrounds. These markings are on reverse of photographs.light horsemengeelong 1940., world war 2 -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Regiment of the Australian Light Horse on the March in Jerusalem in Palestine
By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Initially Australia promised four regiments of Light Horse, 2000 men, to fight in the British cause. By the end of the war, 16 regiments would be in action.The Light Horse were seen as the “national arm of Australia’s defence” and young men, most from the country, flocked to join. Framed and glass covered photo of a Regiment of the Australian Light Horse on the March in Jerusalem in Palestine"A Regiment of the Australian Light Horse on the March in Jerusalem in Palestine."ww1, world war 1, australian light horsemen, palestine, lara r.s.l. -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, 2020
Two volume report into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, including a volume of attachments. This report is also known as the Bushfires Royal Commision. non-fictionroyal commission, natural disaster, bushfire, mark binskin, natural hazards, australian defence force, aerial, aircraft, evacuation planning, emergency information, abc, air quality, health, wildlife, heritage, indigenous land management, bushfire hazard reduction, fuel management, volunteers, disaster recovery, blue shield, dja dja wurrung clans aboriginal corporation, victorian farmers federation, black summer -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Book, New Testament
Small pocket book size New Testament with a buff yellow thick linen paper cover. This edition was published by the British and Foreign Bible Society, London in 1939, printed by Oxford University Press. Presented by the New South Wales Auxiliary of the Society in 1941 to the New South Wales members of the Second Australian Imperial Force volunteering for active service in defence of the British Empire. 384 pages.The book cover has "NEW TESTAMENT" printed on it with the seal of King George VI below. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Uniform - Tunic, 1899-1903
This original tunic or jacket is part of the full dress uniform of the pre-Federation Victorian Permanent Artillery regiment. Its owner had the rank of Sergeant, as indicated by the three inverted chevrons. The Artillery design of the badges and buttons indicate the date of the tunic to be from 1893 to 1903. However the maker of the tunic, W. Moncton, began manufacture in Melbourne in 1899, so this the tunic can be dated between 1899 and 1903. The donor's grandfather was given this tunic but not the name of the original owner. It has since been suggested to the family that the tunic was worn by a local Western District Light Horse member. This could very well have been the case because mounted troops were officially referred to as the Light Horse in the late 19th to early 20th century. Several local men were involved in the Light Horse during the First World War. The donor's grandfather wore this tunic in the local district when riding a penny farthing bicycle. The donor's father also wore the tunic when dressed as a 'Captain' hosting a local disco dance. BRIEF MILITARY HISTORY- The Crimean War began In 1854 and many people in colonial Australia were afraid of a Russian attack. Volunteer forces were established to strengthen the British Imperial troops posted here. A battery of artillery was raised in Victoria as well as in other Australian states. In 1870 Australia became responsible for its own naval and military defence. The Volunteer Corps and Victorian Navy shared the responsibility of defending the existing forts, assisted by volunteer coastal and mobile field batteries. The Permanent Victorian Artillery force was established. It was disbanded in 1880 then re-formed in 1882 as the Victorian Garrison Artillery Corps. In 1895 the Geelong, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland Batteries became part of the Western District Garrison Artillery. Many of the volunteers who served in the Artillery were from rural areas. They belonged to rifle clubs and were experience horsemen as well. Australia's defence at this time relied on these mounted troops, or Light Horse men. In 1899 the Victorian Garrison Artillery Corps amalgamated with the New South Wales and Queensland Permanent Artillery to become the Victorian Regiment of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). Then prior to Federation, the RAA and the Permanent Artillery of South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania all combined, becoming the Royal Australian Artillery Regiment with two Batteries of Field Artillery; Battery A from Sydney and Battery B from Melbourne.This original uniform tunic of the pre-Federation Victorian Permanent Artillery is significant for its association with Australia's military defence and the fortifications of our district, state and country. The tunic is also significant, representing part of the history and evolution of uniforms in the Australian military forces. The tunic is also significant in its representation of Australia's independence in forming its own defences. The tunic has local significance in its connection with local social events.Tunic or jacket, part of the full dress uniform of the pre-Federation Victorian Permanent Artillery operating from 1893 to 1903. Original, single-breasted tunic of dark blue wool, red piping trim, black cotton lining in body. Sleeves lined with blue striped, white cotton. Front closure has eight brass buttons. Red band-style collar with hook-and-eye closure has gold bullion braid trim and a brass badge pinned each side at the front. Upper right sleeve has three inverted chevrons on red fabric with gold bullion braid trim (rank of Sergeant). Both sleeves have gold bullion braid 'Austrian knot' emblems stitched onto lower arm, with ends finishing on the inner sleeve. Shoulder epaulettes have red piping and smaller brass buttons. Closed back vent has vertical scalloped design with six brass buttons, in two columns of three, and red piping trim. Brass belt hook is attached to the left back waist, close to the seam (right side has a mark indicating a previous similar clip). Inside left breast is a concealed pocket. Tunic has both machine and hand stitching. All brass shank-style buttons have matching Artillery emblems with inscriptions on the back. The two brass collar badges have additional artillery emblems of exploding grenade and star as well as an inscription. Buttons were made for W. Moncton, of Melbourne and marked with his name. He traded from 1899, dating the tunic to between 1899 and 1903.Button front: Artillery emblem on front (field cannon facing left, in front of a muzzle-loading ram rod). Button back: engraved "W. MONCTON . MELBOURNE ." Collar badges: Artillery emblem (field cannon facing right | stars | exploding grenade | "AUSTRALIA")flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, uniform jacket, uniform tunic, garrison volunteer uniform, fortifications in victoria, victorian permanent artillery, pre-federation military uniform, sergeant's uniform, jacket, militia, victoria, victorian volunteer forces, victorian regiment, royal australian artillery, raa, field gun, sergeant, w. moncton, garrison, dress uniform, tunic, scarlet collar, red collar, scarlet piping, red piping, gold bullion, artillery emblem, light horse, artillery, mounted troops, victorian garrison artillery corps -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Hat Khaki Fur Felt, est 1940's
The Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) was an Australian part-time volunteer military force of World War II modelled on the British Home Guard. The VDC was established in July 1940 by the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) and was initially composed of ex-servicemen who had served in World War 1. The government took over control of the VDC in May 1941 and gave the organisation the role of training for guerrilla warfare, collecting local intelligence and providing static defence of each unit's home area. General Harry Chauvel, who had retired in 1930, was recalled to duty in 1940 and appointed Inspector-General of the VDC. Chauvel held this position until his death in March 1945. Following the outbreak of the Pacific War, the Government expanded the VDC in February 1942. Membership was open to men aged between 18 and 60, including those working in reserved occupations. As a result, the VDC reached a peak strength of almost 100,000 in units across Australia. As the perceived threat to Australia declined, the VDC's role changed from static defence to operating anti-aircraft artillery, coastal artillery and searchlights. Members of inland VDC units were freed from having to attend regular training in May 1944 and the VDC was officially disbanded on 24 August 1945Hat Khaki Fur Felt with green cloth single band puggaree which has cotton Volunteer Defence Corps badge sewn on, brass rising sun badge on brimMaker's label on head band -RG & RI Stebbins, 14 Willow Court, Donald , Vic 3480 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Badge - ACF Australian Comforts Fund badge, P J King Pty Ltd, 1940
This Australian Comforts Fund badge is part of a set of eleven badges collected from the 1920s to the 1940s by Dr W. R. Angus. The badge was sold by the ACF in 1940 to raise funds for gifts to send to the Australian troops serving overseas. The badge is one of a set of badges that represents various organisations that he had interests in. The Australian Comforts Fund was a mostly female, volunteer-run organisation officially recognised by the Government. It began in 1916 as an amalgamation of groups of people who wanted to support the Australian troops abroad with Items of comfort to supplement the essential items provided by the Australian Military Forces. The ACF raised funds to purchase goods, pack them and send them overseas. One of their fund-raising activities was 'button days' where buttons such as this one were given to those who gave donations. The ACF closed down after World War I but was re-formed at the start of World War II. Items that the ACF sent to the troops included personal toiletry items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, magazines, pyjamas, singlets and socks. They also provided sporting equipment, recreational music, writing materials and postcards. Special hampers were sent to the troops at Christmas time. The maker, P J King, (Percy John King), originally established his engraving and ie casting business in Russell Street, Melbourne in 1893 in partnership with Charles Walder Bridgland, continuing on his own from 1899. Percy and his son John Howard King set up a new business P J King Pty Ltd in 1928 making uniform buttons. In the late 1980s, it merged with two other companies that then became J J Cash, now known as Cash's Australia. The set of badges was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” which includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) and Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. The W.R. Angus Collection: - The W.R. Angus Collection includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) and Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. It includes historical medical and surgical equipment and instruments from the doctors Edward and Thomas Ryan of Nhill, Victoria. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1927 at Ballarat, the nearest big city to Nhill where he began as a Medical Assistant. He was also Acting House surgeon at the Nhill hospital where their two daughters were born. During World War II He served as a Military Doctor in the Australian Defence Force. Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool in 1939, where Dr Angus operated his own medical practice. He later added the part-time Port Medical Officer responsibility and was the last person appointed to that position. Dr Angus and his wife were very involved in the local community, including the planning stages of the new Flagstaff Hill and the layout of the gardens there. Dr Angus passed away in March 1970.This badge represents the efforts of the women volunteers in Australia to support the Australian troops overseas in WWI and WWII. This badge is one of a set of significant badges that connects Doctor Angus with Australian organisations of the early-to-mid 20th century, including those relating to military service support. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The Collection includes historical medical objects that date back to the late 1800s.The ACF Badge is a star-shaped, gold, glittered red enamel and metal badge. The star has six points. The enamel surface is textured. The border and front inscription of the badge is gold. It is the badge of the Australian Comfort Fund, made by P.J. King and dated 1940. This badge is part of a set of badges collected by Dr W R Angus. the set represents organisations that he was involved in, and is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.Front: “ACF / 1940” Reverse embossed “P.J. KING”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, metal badges, enamel badges, organisation badges, acf, presbyterian brotherhood, oikumene, w.r. angus, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, australian comforts fund, button day, volunteer, australian military forces, christmas hamper, 1940 acf badge, fund-raising, p j king pty ltd, percy john king, donor's badge, world war ii, 1939-1945, australians at war, voluntary work, volunteers, home front, w.r. angus collection -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Clothing - Leather Leggings, 1899 to 1920
The subject leather leggings are associated with mounted troops known as the Australian Light Horse that served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. After the war, Britain wanted to use fewer mounted troops and restructured its force around a style of combat that needed more infantry. But the defence of Australia still relied upon mounted military units as these were more mobile than infantry and could travel faster over long distances. Light Horse brigades in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) mostly contained recruits who served in the Light Horse regiments of the Citizen Forces. Many young men from rural areas of Australia volunteered for the Light Horse regiments. They had to pass a riding test to join, this test was easier for men from the bush because horses were still the main method of transport on farms and in country towns. The army did not officially accept First Australians into the AIF until May 1917 when enlistment standards were relaxed to include 'half-castes' with a parent of European origin. Indigenous soldiers served as valuable members of the Light Horse and many possessed excellent horse handling skills and specialist tracking knowledge.The subject items are part of the uniform for the Light Horse Units that served in the Australian army from 1899 until 1918. These leggings were worn by soldiers on horseback and are significant as they represent a noteworthy time in Australia's early military history. It was a time when many young men gave their lives during the South African and First World Wars in the defence of the then British Empire as part of the Imperial Forces that were gathered from many British-controlled Colonial countries.A pair of two Leather Leggings used by Mounted Australian soldiers during the first world war. The leggings are dark tan in colour with stitching to attach buckles and fastener straps. The strap buckles are made of brass and the leather legging straps are of same leather as leggings. Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, leggings, leather leggings, protective leggings, protective clothing, australian mounted light horse units, military equipment -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - THE VICTORIAN VOLUTEER FORCE ON THE CENTRAL VICTORIAN GOLDFIELDS 1858-1883
... Victorian volunteer force Victorian defence forces Bendigo ...The Victorian Volunteer Force on the central Victorian Goldfields 1858-1883, MA Thesis. Publisher: Latrobe University, Bendigo. Produced post 2003. Imperial and Colonial defence, Volunteers of Victoria's defences, British army's role, social structure, changing of the guard on the goldfields. Photographs, illustrations & graphs. 144 pages.Bob Marmiongold, goldfields, volunteer force, victoria, history victoria goldfields, victorian volunteer force, victorian defence forces, bendigo and district history -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Bible, Owen RASMUSSEN, 1915
Presented by the British and Foreign Bible Society Victoria to the members of the Victorian Contingent of the Australian Imperial Force volunteering for service in the Defence of the British Empire. Presented to Owen Rasmussen of Castlemaine dated 30/5/1916 - Owen RASMUSSEN MM 6069 60 Battalion AIFThe British and Foreign Bible Society, often known in England and Wales as simply the Bible Society, is a non-denominational Christian Bible society with charity status whose purpose is to make the Bible available throughout the worldSmall light brown coloured bound bookNew Testamentowen rasmussen, ww1, 60 battalion -
Hume City Civic Collection
Drawing, S.Calvert, STAFF OFFICERS OF THE VICTORIAN VOLUNTEER FORCE
... Volunteer Force were Captain Snee, Major Pitt, Colonel Anderson... Volunteer Force were Captain Snee, Major Pitt, Colonel Anderson ...The five men who were staff officers of the Victorian Volunteer Force were Captain Snee, Major Pitt, Colonel Anderson, Captain Payne and Captain Burton. The Victorian Volunteer Force was the main defence force in Victoria after the withdrawal the Imperial Troops in 1870. IN that same year a Permanent Artillery Corps ( Victorian Artillery) was also formed. The Volunteer force was disbanded in 1884 and replaced by the Victorian Militia force. The members were paid and enrolled for a set term.A black and white photograph of an etching of 5 officers in the Victorian Volunteers Force.victorian volunteer force., victorian artillery, victoria militia, military history -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Archive (collection) - Personal papers, Leonard James Baker Collection, 1918-1971
Susan BakerReference, Research, InformationProvenance Order1. Photograph of Len Baker in WWI British Army uniform; 2. Certificate of Transfer to Reserve 1918; 3. Photograph of Len and Edie Baker's wedding in 1932; 4. Letter from St Paul's Church of England, East Kew vicarage 1940; 5. Letter from City of Kew 1941; 6. Wallet from City of Kew given in WWII; 7. 2nd Australian Imperial Force Certificate of Discharge, dated 7 May 1941; 8. Australian Military Forces Volunteer Defence Corps Certificate of Discharge dated 15/3/42 - 9/10/45; 9. British Passport issued 20 April 1971 from British High Commission Canberra The items were donated by the great-niece of Len Baker. Each item can be viewed in the image carousel above.ww1 (1914-1918), second world war (1939-1945), first world war (1914-1918), ww2 (1939-1945), wwii (1939-1945), wwi (1914-1918), len baker, city of kewww1 (1914-1918), second world war (1939-1945), first world war (1914-1918), ww2 (1939-1945), wwii (1939-1945), wwi (1914-1918), len baker, city of kew -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Certificate - World War II Volunteer Air Observers Corps Certificate of Appreciation, Royal Australian Air Force, 1945
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 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Small Shaving Brush, H. Oldfield & Son, 1941
This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.This shaving brush was part of standard supplies and personal items issued to members of the Australian Defence Forces during World War 2.Standard Defence issue shaving brush issued to Australian personnel during the World War 2 era. It has a pine timber handle with black bristles and string reinforcement bindin at the top of the handle. On base of brush "H. OLDFIELD/& SON/ SYDNEY/1941world war 11, rats of tobruk, soldiers kit -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Rat of Tobruk Arthur Lock's bottle opener and lighter, c1941
These items were part of standard supplies and personal items issued to members of the Australian Defence Forces during World War 2.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A metal can/bottle opener and cigarette lighter. On Opener "STOKES /MELB"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Legacy Appeal 1990, 1990
... A photo of a group of defence force personnel... A photo of a group of defence force personnel with Volunteer ...A photo of a group of defence force personnel with Volunteer Helper tags at Legacy House with a stack of Legacy Appeal tins. The slogan says "Legacy Cares for families of deceased servicemen". It appears to have been professionally taken to publicise Legacy Week in the newspapers. Labels found with a second copy say: "Fifty personnel from the RAAF's headquarters logistics command took to Melbourne's streets to collect on behalf of Legacy's Annual Badge Day Appeal. All were volunteers and were part of a tri-service effort." "Legacy is indebted to members of the Defence Force Services for their invaluable help to sell Legacy badges during "Legacy Week". The Annual Badge Day Appeal is the one time of the year that Legacy asks all Australians to remember the work of Legacy and to wear a Legacy badge with pride."A record of the defence forces help in promoting Legacy in Badge Week and selling badges.Black and white photo of defence force personnel with Legacy Appeal tins.Hand written Legacy Appeal 1990 in blue pen.fundraising, legacy appeal, legacy week, raaf, adf personnel -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph - Glass plate, circa 1866
This glass plate photograph shows good detail of members of the Warrnambool Garrison posing for their photograph in front of a young township. There are other well-dressed citizens behind them. The three men with frogging on their sleeves were commanders were likely to be commanders. The men are facing north with Cannon Hill and the fortification area in the background. It dates from the 1860s. The firearms held appear to be 1853 pattern Lee Enfield muskets used by the British army in Crimea at this time and in Australia, rather than the later Martini Henry cartridge rifles. The uniforms match other photos of the Warrnambool Garrison Militia and Band in our Collection, taken up until the 1880s. The three storey building in the photograph is likely to be the Manifold & Bostock flour mill, built in 1854 near the ‘cutting’ in Merri Street, which was one of the main streets at the time; if one faced the building’s front from a vantage point and looked south to south-east, the hills around Flagstaff Hill and Cannon Hill would be behind that mill, and the Harbour behind the hills. This is the area of the Fortifications. The glass plate method of photography was widely used during the mid-19th to early-20th century. The donor and maker of the photograph are unknown. Around this time the citizens of Victoria were prospering from the gold rush but felt isolated and uneasy about their security in the colony. In 1854 the Volunteer Act was passed to provide some military defence. In 1858 the Warrnambool Volunteer Rifle Corps was established, disbanded in 1863, then a new Warrnambool Detachment was formed in September 1866. Legislation was passed in 1884 that replaced the volunteers’ corps with a partly paid, permanent Militia Defence Force. The batteries manning the coastal forts of Victoria were termed Garrison Artillery Companies. When the Army was federated in 1901 there were eight Militia Companies in Victoria. Warrnambool and Port Fairy together were known as 8 Coy AGA (Australian Garrison Artillery). Changes to formation and name continued into the 20th century.This photograph is a record of the very early local defence force, circa 1866. The photograph signifies the connection of the colony in Victoria to the growing need for security due to the unrest in Europe at that time. The photograph is also locally significant to the industry of the young township of Warrnambool, showing what is likely to be one of the first flour mills in the town. The photograph is also the only example of the early methods of glass plate photography in our collection. Photograph, rectangular glass plate, positive sepia image. Photograph has brass framed edges that fold over to the back, with mitred corners. The front edges are pressed with a decorative floral pattern. The photograph shows a group of thirty military men, standing or kneeling, in dark uniforms with pillbox forage caps, round-collared jackets with light buttons, light sashes worn from top left shoulder to bottom right side of waist belt, and long, straight-legged trousers. Three of these men have light braid around the buttons on the front of their jackets, light frogging on their sleeve cuffs and stripes on the outside seams of their trousers. The other twenty-seven men have plain uniforms and are holding firearms in their right hands, steadied with their left hands. Other figures are standing behind this group of soldiers, including three or four men wearing top hats, jackets and ties. In the background is a row of buildings. The central building is three stories high. Bare hills are in the far background. The foreground is uneven ground with patches of short grass. Photographer looking towards the south east and Cannon Hill, with the Warrnambool Garrison facing north, ca.1860s.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, glass plate, photography 19th century, colonial forces, military defence, volunteer act 1854, volunteer rifle, garrison artillery, volunteer corps, militia, militia garrison band, pillbox forage caps, helpmann, manifold and bostock, 1853 lee enfield musket, tintype, warrnambool garrison, 1860s, cannon hill, manifold & bostock, flour mill, 3-storey building -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - HANRO COLLECTION: PROMOTIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS, 1940's
Sir George Victor Lansell (1883-1959), businessman, politician and philanthropist, was born on 3 October 1883 in London, elder son of George Lansell, the Bendigo 'Quartz King', and his second wife Harriet Edith, née Bassford. George was educated at St Andrew's College, Bendigo, and Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. On 20 January 1910 at All Saints Pro-Cathedral, Bendigo, he married a skiing champion, Edith Florence Gwendoline Frew; they had three daughters. As a young man Lansell excelled in revolver shooting, boxing and swimming but his militia interests endured longest. First commissioned in the 8th Australian Infantry Regiment in 1904, he was a captain in 1909. In May 1916 he was commissioned captain in Bendigo's 38th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Entering the front line in France on 1 December he was wounded two days later and invalided back to Australia next March for discharge in August. After the war he rose in 1923 to major commanding the 38th Battalion, Australian Military Forces. Lieutenant-Colonel in 1927, he retired as honorary colonel in 1942 after having organized the north-west Victorian group of the Volunteer Defence Corps early in World War II. Lansell's major contribution was his service to returned soldiers. He was president of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia for nearly thirty years. His work extended beyond grand gesture and he is remembered affectionately for his personal generosity to ex-servicemen and their dependants. Lansell was director of the powerful Sandhurst Trustees' Co., the Bendigo Mutual Permanent Land & Building Society and many other local companies. In 1926 he brought to Bendigo the overseas-based Hanro Knitting Mills (Hanro comes from the Swiss firm Handschin and Ronus which made high quality underwear and knitwear at Liestal, Switzerland) and the Australian Swiss Watch Co. Early in his business career he acquired the Bendigo Independent and amalgamated it with the Bendigo Advertiser in 1918. He had interests in the Riverine Herald, the Rochester Irrigator, the Stock and Station Journal and Central Victorian Broadcasters Ltd, and was a delegate to Empire press conferences in Canada (1920), England (1923) and Australia (1925).Lever arch folder containing Hanro black and white promotional photographs. 53 studio photographs of women's knitwear and lingerie 20.5cm x 25.2cm. 1 studio photograph of men's knitwear 19cm x 23.5cm. 2 x photo's 19cm x 23.3cm Photographer Reg Brock. 27 black and white photo's 15cm x 21cm of men's knitwear, womenswear and lingerie, were donated by Ann Peters.Reg Brock Studios Bendigo. Labels or stamps on back of photographs.business, retail, hanro promotional photographs, george victor lansell, bendigo hanro, ralph birrell collections