Honour Board - Wangaratta and District Victory Roll

DSCF0099.JPG

DSCF0099.JPG

From the Collection of Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch 1 Victoria Parade Wangaratta Victoria

Description: Two large Italian marble tablets inscribed with gold emblems and black lettering list the names of nurses and servicemen of Wangaratta and district who served in World War One.
Size: 154cmH x 203cmW
Object Registration: 38
Keywords: ww1, wangaratta and district, nurses, victory roll
Historical information: Wangaratta and District Victory Roll - lists 528 names of Nurses and AIF personnel who served during 1914-1918
Made By: A. Parnell (Stonemason/Signwriter)
Significance: Thousands of honour boards were made to commemorate soldiers who served in the First World War. The number of honour boards crafted reflects the immense loss felt in communities and families and the importance for them of remembering those who served and died. This is the Wangaratta and District Victory Roll, including the names of nurses and AIF personnel from the region.
Inscriptions & Markings: Wangaratta and District Victory Roll
Nurses
Australian Imperial Forces
1914-1918
Last updated: 20 Jan 2019 at 1:06PM

Framed watercolour

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Brown timber look plastic frame containing watercolour painting in the image of a commando soldier. signature left bottom corner Henk Art

Inscriptions & Markings

plaque - Corporal Cameron Baird, VC ,MG

Preview View Page

Gas Mask

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Canvas bag containing rubber gas mask

Preview View Page

Water Bottle

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Felt covered metal water bottle with attached cork stopper and canvas straps.

Preview View Page

Framed Photograph - 2/24 Battalion

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Black plastic frame containing reproduced black and white photograph of soldiers formed in five rows. Soldiers are numbered with most names listed top left and below.

Historical information

Group photograph of the 2/24 Infantry Battalion Headquarters Company soldiers who served during WW2

Significance

The Battalion was raised in Wangaratta in June 1940 and known as Wangaratta's Own.

Inscriptions & Markings

2/24th Inf Bn Headquarters Company

Preview View Page

Framed Photograph - 2/24 Battalion

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Black plastic frame with green mount housing original black and white photograph of soldiers in four rows.

Historical information

Original black and white photograph donated by brother of Frank Percival SAVILLE VX34912 Born 4/4/1919 Enlisted 27/6/1940 and who served with the 2/24th Battalion during WW2.

Inscriptions & Markings

Plaque -Presented by H A Saville on behalf of his brother Frank P Saville VX34912 2/24 Battalion

Preview View Page

Framed Photograph - 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion A Company

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Black and gold plastic frame housing enlarged copy of black and white photograph of soldiers in four rows each numbered with list of names below.

Historical information

Photograph of the 2/24th Battalion A Company featuring 24 soldiers numbered and most identified by name.

Inscriptions & Markings

At top handwritten - A Coy 2/24 Batt

Preview View Page

Army Tie

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Preview View Page

Army Battle Jacket

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Preview View Page

Army Mess Dress

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Preview View Page

Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduction of black and white photograph of soldiers standing in two rows along riverbank lined with trees. There is a small white dog in foreground.

Historical information

Photograph taken of 2nd Platoon on the banks of the Ovens River. After completing training at Wangaratta they marched to the railway station headed by the Town Band prior to travelling to Broadmeadows Army Camp.

Inscriptions & Markings

Wangaratta's 2nd Platoon of Australia's New Army March 1916

Preview View Page

Certificate of Service

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Cream paper with black print and type with emblem centre top contained within a black border and attached by staple top left corner to large sheet of paper.

Historical information

Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 issued to Flying Officer Owen Campbell MORTIMER 420235. Discharged 2/7/1945 at own request to resume civil occupation. Awarded 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, Victory Medal and eligible for Returned from Active Service Badge.

Inscriptions & Markings

Royal Australian Air Force Officer's Certificate of Service No 2575 Rear - To the Secretary the Returned Soldier's League with compliments Dr Owen Mortimer 29th May, 1989

Preview View Page

Letter - RS&SIL Wangaratta Branch

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Photocopy of original letter dated August 17th 1921 with inscription in blue ink below.

Historical information

Letter dated August 17th, 1921 from David Langlands Chair of the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee, Wangaratta Branch advising the work has been completed and the memorial tablets and stone in commemoration of those that gave their lives and those who served from the town and district have been erected within the Hall however a further 150 pounds was required to complete the payment and asking for aid in this matter.

Inscriptions & Markings

Jan 12th 2003 secretary Wangaratta RSL I discovered this document in some old papers and thought it may be of interest to you so have photocopied. David Evans Redcamp Moyhu

Preview View Page

Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Original black and white photograph of soldiers standing in two rows and a row of soldiers and two females in uniform seated on step with ancient building in background.

Historical information

A group of Australian soldiers being photographed outside "The Dome of the Rock" shrine in Jerusalem. During the Second World War, Palestine was under a British mandate and Australian and New Zealand soldiers were back helping the British army to stop the Germans from capturing Egypt and the Suez Canal. They fought alongside several Palestinian brigades enlisted into the British Army under The Palestine Regiment. The soldier sitting second from right is Sergeant Stanley Swainson BEDFORD VX79894 2/24 Battalion. Bedford was born 30/12/1907 and enlisted at Caulfield on 18/5/1942 aged 34 years. He served in the Middle East between August 1942 and February 1942 and Milne Bay New Guinea between August 1943 and March 1944 prior to his discharge on 9/6/1945. He was the Battalion Tailor and is mentioned on page 251 of the book 2/24 - A history of the 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion edited by R.P. Serle.

Significance

World famous "Dome of the Rock", site of the ancient temple of Solomon and now a Muslim shrine. During the 7th century it served as a testament to the power of the new faith of Islam. The Dome of the Rock is one of the earliest surviving buildings from the Islamic world. This remarkable building is not a mosque, as is commonly assumed and scholars still debate its original function and meaning. With the exception of the two uniformed females, presumably nurses, one soldier if not all identified as serving with the 2/24th Battalion known as Wangaratta's Own.

Preview View Page

Pilot Balloon Slide Rule

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

The case is fabric covered wood with felt fabric lining containing a long black laminate ruler with numerous white markings and numbers. Top of the ruler is in three sections with the centre section movable by small gold metal knobs at either end.

Historical information

The Mark II Pilot Balloon Slide Rule was made of wood laminated with heavy white plastic with a length of 24.5-in. and width of 2.5 inches. Mark II rules were manufactured in Australia by W & G (Melbourne). The W & G rule differs only slightly from the English A. G. Thornton LTD rule. The W & G rule uses serif fonts and has some fiducial marks that the English rule lacks. Exact dates of production are not known but the MK II is known to have started production by 1927. The printed scales are engraved in the plastic faces. The slide rule has 4 captive cursors (glass windows and brass guides) that ride in slots on the top and bottom edges. Each can be moved independently of one another. The cursors are missing from this item. Brass knobs at both ends of the slide facilitate its movement. The case is fabric covered wood with felt lining. The Pilot Balloon slide rule is used to convert the observed azimuth and elevation readings into wind velocity and direction records. No known history as the item was found in house after purchase.

Inscriptions & Markings

This slide rule contains a engraved notation on the rear face "IMPORTANT. NORMALLY NUMBER OF GRATICULE SCALE DIVISIONS PER RADIAN (K) X LENGTH OF TAIL IN FEET (I) = 12X 105. IN OTHER CASES MULTIPLY GRATICULE READINGS BY 1.2/KI BEFORE CALCULATION ON RULE" Top of Slide Rule - RAAF Ident No G268/480 Serial WG/22

Preview View Page

Framed WW2 Silk Scarf - The Selma Times Journal

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Brown timber frame containing red and white silk scarf featuring newspaper headline above picture of a flag and map of Japan

Historical information

A WWII silk newspaper front page from The Selma Times Journal, September 2nd 1945, announcing the unconditional surrender by Japs completed at twenty minute ceremony. Sunday is proclaimed as VJ Day in global broadcast by Truman .... The end of the long road back. The Selma Times-Journal is a six-day-a-week newspaper located in Selma, Alabama. It publishes every day of the week except Monday. It is owned by Tuscaloosa, Alabama-based Boone Newspapers Inc. The paper was founded as the Selma Courier on November 2, 1827, by Thomas Jefferson Frow.

Inscriptions & Markings

The Selma times Journal dated September 2 1945

Preview View Page

Framed Photograph - HMAS Westralia

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Silver frame containing black and white image of a ship at sea

Historical information

In 1943 Westralia was converted into a Landing Ship, Infantry. In this role, Westralia had a capacity of 933 soldiers, and was used primarily to transport units of the United States Army and Marine Corps. The ship arrived at Manus on 7th April 1945 befoe reaching Morotai on the 19th. The 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion embarked for attack on Tarakan Island, Borneo. On 1 May – After preliminary bombardment by two cruisers and six destroyers ,troops of 26th Australian Infantry Brigade were landed. After the end of the war, Westralia was one of the ships at Ambon on 22 September 1945 for the surrender and occupation of the island where the 164 survivors of Gull Force prisoners had already been taken off on 10 September. She was later used for the repatriation of Australian troops, before being paid off in September 1946. The ship earned five battle honours for her wartime service:

Inscriptions & Markings

Gold coloured plaque attached top right "HMAS Westralia" - 2/24th AUST INF BATT TARAKAN ISLAND BORNEO 1ST MAY, 1945

Preview View Page

Badge - RSL

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Gold badge with crown on top, blue circle in the middle with image in gold centre, red banner at bottom surrounded in white enamel. Coat lapel pin attached.

Historical information

The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively. Badge issued to 3978 Private Wilfred FITTON born in Lancashire England, enlisted in the AIF in Melbourne on 28/7/1915. Served with the 5th Battalion 12/5 Rein.Embarked 23/11/1915 and was discharged on 6/7/1920. Post war worked for the Victorian Railways and lived at Tarrawingee.

Significance

The League’s badge represents a readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades. It can’t be purchased and may only be worn by those who have served their country.

Inscriptions & Markings

On front: Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen Imperial League Australia On back: 48257 V Property of League. Swann & Hudson Vic.

Preview View Page

Doily

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Off white square doily with side on image of soldier holding rifle in the centre.

Historical information

This hand crafted doily, created during war time, features a side on image of a soldier handing a rifle with butt at his feet. In Victorian times, idle hands were frowned upon so women knitted and crocheted. In addition to their decorative function doilies have the practical role of protecting fine-wood furniture from the scratches caused by crockery or decorative objects, or from spilled tea when used on tea trays or with cups and saucers.

Inscriptions & Markings

Crotched - "Our Hero Were proud of him" "ANZAC 1915"

Preview View Page

Quilt

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Handmade quilt with hand stitched map of Australia, a cross with metal Vietnam badge and a slouch hat on white cloth boarded by camouflage and green material.

Historical information

Hand made quilt commemorating the Vietnam War

Inscriptions & Markings

In hand stitch - Lest We Forget

Preview View Page

Cane Woven Basket Tray - The Invasion of the Philippines

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Large oval shaped cane woven basket tray

Historical information

In early January 1945, Australian warships took part in their next big naval action of the campaign when American forces were landed at Lingayen Gulf for the invasion of Luzon Island. Their objective was the capital, Manila. The frigates Gascoyne and Warrego carried out survey tasks and escort duties, coming under artillery fire and also attacks from aircraft. The Kanimbla, Manoora and Westralia again transported American troops for the landings and once again the escorts included the cruisers Shropshire and Australia – the latter had undergone repair – and the destroyers Arunta and Warramunga. Whist not confirmed, this large cane woven oval tray with The Philippines Coat of Arms in the centre above list of Royal Australian Navy ships that were involved in the liberation of the Philippines, is believed to have belonged to Robert Hamilton Hutchieson PM 4802 who served on HMAS Westralia as a landing craft coxswain in the Southwest Pacific Campaign 1942 to 1945.

Inscriptions & Markings

The Invasion of the Philippines Image of Coat of Arms Commonwealth of the Philippines Kanimbla, Westralia, Manoura, Australia, Shropshire, Arunta, Warramunga, Gascoyne January 1945

Preview View Page