AMF Army Driving Licence - Kenneth Edward Forster

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

Description: Brown canvas booklet that is folded into three. Licence gives details of Army number, name, rank and type of vehicle that is able to be driven. Licence has been issued to Kenneth Edward Forster, VX149163. Licence has been cancelled in red ink.
Size: 22.5cm wide, 11.5cm long
Object Registration: 156
Keywords: world war 2, world war 2 drivers licence, australian military drivers licence, kenneth edward forster
Historical information: Driver/Provate Kenneth Edward Forster VX 149163 was born at Benalla and enlisted at Wangaratta. He served with the 148 General Transport Coy during WW2.
Inscriptions & Markings: No: 287674. Army No: VX149163, Name Kenneth Edward Forster. Vehicle type: cars & vans & lorries, semi-trailers.
Last updated: 23 Nov 2018 at 5:11PM

Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Black and white photograph of soldier standing in front of house.

Historical information

Photograph of Lance Sergeant Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 born 14 July 1909 Condoblin NSW. Enlisted at South Melbourne.

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Brooch

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Oblong metal brooch consisting of red and blue metal border containing 3 circles.

Historical information

Brooch found attached inside Australian Army Soldier's pocket book belonging to Lance Sergeant Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 who served during WW2. Items found amongst possessions belonging to Donor's deceased mother. MULDOON unknown to Donor.

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Book - The Australian soldiers pocket book

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Burgundy colour imitation leather cover book held together with bandaids

Historical information

Soldiers pocket book issued to Leonard Francis MULDOON VX10046 .Born on 14 July 1909 at Condoblin NSW. Enlisted 23 January 1940 at South Melbourne Served during WW2

Significance

An example of a small pocket book gifted by the Australian Comforts Fund (ACF) to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and was given as a morale boosting gift. The book contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.

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Framed poster - HMAS Sydney in Korean waters 1951-1952

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Brown timber frame containing blue poster with image of ship and plane at sea

Historical information

Reproduction of HMAS Sydney in Korean waters launching Hawker Sea Fury fighters. Sydney was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She was built for the Royal Navy and but was not completed before the end of World War II. The carrier was sold to Australia in 1947, completed and commissioned into the RAN as Sydney in 1948. From late 1951 to early 1952, she operated off the coast of Korea during the Korean War, making her the first carrier in the RAN, to see wartime service. The donor served on board HMAS Sydney during the Korean War.

Significance

HMAS Sydney was the first of three conventional aircraft carriers to serve in the RAN, and operated as the navy's flagship during the early part of her career. Retasked as a training vessel following the 1955 arrival of her modernised sister ship, HMAS Melbourne, Sydney remained in service until 1958, when she was placed in reserve as surplus to requirements. The need for a sealift capability saw the ship modified for service as a fast troop transport, and recommissioned in 1962. In 1965, she sailed on the first voyage to Vũng Tàu, transporting soldiers and equipment to serve in the Vietnam War. 25 voyages to Vietnam were made between 1965 and 1972, earning the ship the nickname "Vung Tau Ferry". Sydney was decommissioned in 1973, and was not replaced.

Inscriptions & Markings

HMAS Sydney in Korean waters 1951-1952 Painting by Roy Honisett, courtesy Australian War Memorial Royal Australian Navy 75th Anniversary

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Banner - Rats of Tobruk

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Large blue cloth banner housed between two timber poles. In the centre of the banner there is a crown above a grey,black and yellow T shape overlaid by a crest with a kangaroo in a yellow circle

Historical information

During World War 2, more than 14,000 Australians fought at Tobruk (Libya), during the historic 242 day siege. These men became famously known as the Rats of Tobruk. After returning to Australia, the Tobruk siege servicemen looking for comradeship, established the Rats of Tobruk Association. Around 1944, active branches and sub-branches were started in every state. In more recent times, these branches and subbranches have been wound up owing to the declining numbers of surviving veteran members. The only exception has been the Victorian Branch, which has now operated for over 70 years.

Inscriptions & Markings

Rats of Tobruk Assoc GV & NE Sub Branch

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Printed Sheet - Address to AIF by General Sir Harold Alexander

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Cream paper with crest and four lines running top to bottom down left side of printed black typed text.

Historical information

Printed Address made to the AIF by General Sir Harold R.L.G Alexander, DSO, MC Commander in Chief The Middle East Forces at a parade of the AIF (9th Australian Division) held in Palestine on 22nd December,1942, in commemoration of Fallen Comrades. Item belonged to Lieutenant Colonel George Watson BLACKWOOD OBE born Glasglow Scotland who immigrated to Western Australia in 1911 aged 4 years. He moved to Victoria prior to being demobilized in 1945 as an Engineer with the Australian Army Field Workshop.

Significance

The 9th Division sustained more casualties and won more medals than any other Australian Division with seven of its members receiving the Victoria Cross, Australia’s highest award for gallantry.

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Trench Art - Brass Shell Casing

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Large brass shell casing with decorative engraving.

Historical information

Trench Art is the name given to objects manufactured by both soldiers and civilians from shell casings, bullets, shrapnel and miscellaneous battlefield debris, and is predominantly associated with World War I (1914 – 18). The most common material used for trench art are brass shell casings, which, once decorated, can be utilised as vases. Often items will bear an inscription such as the name of a French village or theatre of war and engraved decoration or embossing.

Inscriptions & Markings

Engraved - Les Halles D'Ypres 1914-19 with engraving of building possibly town hall or church . Several symbols, numbers and letters imprinted on base of casing.

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Rifle Bucket

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Long cylinder shape made from dark brown leather with leather strap and brass buckle at the top of the bucket which attaches it to the saddle.

Historical information

Rifle buckets were used by British and Commonwealth mounted troops from the First World War to around 1941. In the Australian Light Horse units their use did not become common until the end of the First World War. Prior to this rifles were carried slung across the rider's back.

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Bayonet

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Historical information

WW2 Japanese bayonet made to fit Type 30 Arisaka rifle.

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Bayonet

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Long narrow blade with saw toothed edge

Historical information

This is a "Seitengewehr" version of the Imperial German Infanterie Gewehr bayonet produced in 1871 and modified for use in WW1

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Bayonet

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Double edged bayonet - the hilt incorporates an odd shaped pommel with push button internal spring latch steel cross guard. The grips are of wood and held in place by two brass rivets with an oil hole behind the second rivet.

Historical information

This double edged bayonet originally manufactured in the United Kingdom to fit the Pattern 1888 Lee- Metford Infantry rifle was used by Private Edwin Charles BAWDEN service number 122 who served with the Victorian Imperial Bushmen Corp during the Boer War 1899-1902. He was appointed farrier Sergeant and served with the 4th Australian Imperial Regiment. He survived fighting in South Africa but contracted measles and pneumonia. After his voyage home he was immediately admitted to a Melbourne Hospital where he died a few days later. Following his death in 1901, a marble and granite memorial was erected on One Tree Hill now known as Monument Hill overlooking Eldorado in north east Victoria. In 2004 a new bronze plaque was commissioned and fixed to the original memorial.

Significance

The Second Boer War (11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902) was fought between the British Empire and two Boer states, the South African Republic (Republic of Transvaal) and the Orange Free State, over the Empire's influence in South Africa. In total 20,000 or more Australians served and about 1,000 were killed. A total of 267 died from disease, 251 were killed in action or died from wounds sustained in battle. A further 43 men were reported missing.

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers with musical instruments

Historical information

Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion Band - Winners of the 7th Division Band Contest in Palestine February 1941

Significance

The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1990 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.

Inscriptions & Markings

Handwritten on rear - 2/24 Bn Band Winners of 7 Div Band Contest Palestine 1941

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Colour photograph of 11 men standing and seated in two rows

Historical information

Image depicts a group of 11 men who served with the 2/24 Battalion during World War 2 attending annual reunion in Wangaratta in November 2003. They include:- Back Row: VX34601 Murray BURLES DOB 12/9/1919 POB Hobart; Bill WILLIAMS VX43349 Leslie HANSEN DOB 26/1/1920 POB Coburg POW 5/1941; VX31699 Alan NICHOLSON DOB 27/10/1918 POB Korumburra POW 1/5/1941; VX15247 Alan MacFARLANE DOB 13/9/1918 POB England; Front Row: VX44006 Robert CLARKE DOB 15/1/1920 POB Glenhuntly; VX48597 Dr Guy ROBERTSON DOB 4/7/1918 POB St Arnaud, RMO VX34767 Thomas ANDERSON DOB 31/5/1914 POB Hamilton POW 5/1941 VX29686 Gordon POIDEVIN DOB 30/3/1917 POB Corowa POW 3/5/1941; VX45356 Douglas GRAY DOB 16/8/1918 POB Bendigo (Bugler)

Significance

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Colour photograph of 14 men in two rows with Australian flag in background.

Historical information

Image depicts a group of 14 men who served with the 2/24 Battalion during World War 2 attending annual reunion in Wangaratta in November 2002. They include:- VX24987 Clifford GIERSCH DOB 16/12/1918 POB Culcairn; Bill WILLIAMS; VX15247 Alan MacFARLANE DOB 13/9/1908 POB England; VX43349 Leslie HANSEN DOB 26/1/1920 POB Coburg POW 5/1941; VX34601 Murray BURLES DOB 12/9/1919 POB Hobart; VX44006 Robert CLARK DOB 15/1/1920 POB Glenhuntly; VX34767 Thomas ANDERSON DOB 31/5/1914 POB Hamilton POW 5/1941 VX34505 James HUGHES DOB 28/5/1920 POB Castlemaine POW 5/1941; VX31279 Eric EDWARDS DOB 3/8/1916 POB Mordialloc POW 1/5/1941 VX29686 Gordon POIDEVIN DOB 30/3/1917 POB Corowa POW 3/5/1941; VX34760 Reginald GUNNING DOB 29/1/1919 POB Branxholme VX46233 Robert KEE DOB 10/11/1916 POB Sydney; VX45356 Douglas GRAY DOB 16/8/1918 POB Bendigo (Bugler) VX40320 Edgar SHILLING DOB 12/7/1918 POB England;

Significance

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

On grey mount original black and white photograph of 10 soldiers in three rows all wearing army coats and slouch hats. Row of tents in back ground.

Historical information

Image depicts a group of 10 unknown soldiers from Wangaratta in Victoria

Inscriptions & Markings

Top left corner - Wangaratta Bhoy's" Attached to rear - newspaper article entitled "Wangaratta's Own" returns

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Original black and white photograph of 3 soldiers standing

Historical information

Image depicts a group of 3 soldiers who served with the 2/24 Battalion VX32810 William John McKILLOP DOB 23/11/1914 POW May 1941 Italy- 2/24 Battalion VX31847 George Cecil OLLEY DOB 14/7/1917 - 2/24 Battalion.

Significance

Inscriptions & Markings

Handwritten on rear - Geo Olly centre, McKillop R & L, Frankston, 2/24 Btn

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced sepia photograph of 5 soldiers seated and all wearing slouch hats

Historical information

Image depicts a group of 5 soldiers all believed to be under 16 years who served with the 2nd AIF in the Middle East in 1941. VX56792 George COKER DOB 11/9/1921 - 2/24 Battalion - was wounded in action on 31/10/1942. SLUNINGS not listed as serving with the 2/24 Battalion.

Significance

Inscriptions & Markings

Attached on rear - 2nd AIF Babes Middle East 1941 - All under 16 years Back Row - Laycock 2/21 / Unknown 2/23 Front Row - Coker 2/24 / Slunings 2/24 / Unknown 2/24

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers standing in front of convoy of trucks

Historical information

Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion in October 1941 awaiting transport to Palestine after 8 months in the desert at Tobruk.

Significance

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers seated in four rows.

Historical information

Image depicts soldiers of the 2/24 Battalion Carrier Platoon after the battle of El Alamein in 1945.

Significance

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of unknown soldiers bathing and sitting on a river bank in bush land.

Historical information

In July 1940, the 2/24th Battalion was formed in Wangaratta. On the 27th September, after weeks of hard training the Battalion marched out to Bonegilla to continue training prior to overseas deployment to the Middle East in November, 1940. This image depicts soldiers bathing and washing during the 60 mile march.

Significance

Inscriptions & Markings

Washing enroute to Bonegilla

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AMF Army Driving Licence - Kenneth Edward Forster

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