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

Description: Diggers Day Commercial Club Albury 30-12-1939
Size: 28cm(H) x the 21cm (W)
Object Registration: 219
Historical information: Silver plated slouch hat
Probably donated by Commercial Club Albury
When Made: 30-12-1939
Inscriptions & Markings: Diggers Day Commercial Club Albury the 30-12-1939.

Slouch Hat with badge and labels plus metal badge of Australia
Last updated: 3 Mar 2017 at 10:13AM

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

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Framed Letter - RS&SIL Wangaratta Branch

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Black timber frame with gold painted inner edge containing 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

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Framed Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Silver frame containing white with silver mount over original black and white photograph of soldiers standing in two rows behind row of soldiers and two females in uniform seated on step.

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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"

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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

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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

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Framed photographs - Japanese Surrender - Morotai 9 September 1945

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Brown timber frame containing 7 photographs copied on paper

Historical information

The images depict the formal signing of the surrender of the Japanese Forces at Morotai on September 9 1945.

Significance

The surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on August 15 and formally signed on September 2, 1945, bringing the hostilities of World War II to a close. There were a number of surrender ceremonies including Morotai on September 9 1945. Morotai Island, was headquarters of the Australian forces in the Netherlands East Indies and before an assembly of more than l0,000 Australian and allied troops the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces (General Sir Thomas Blamey) accepted on the 9 September the formal surrender of all Japanese in the eastern half of the Netherlands East Indies. The instrument of surrender was Japanese signed by Lt-General Teshima, commander of the Japanese Second Army, comprising about 126,000 Japanese.

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Map - Australian Army Operations 1940-45

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Large cream coloured cardboard folded in three, inside in a coloured map of the middle east 1940-1942, New Guinea Theatre 1942-1944, Pacific Islands 1944-1945 and Malay and Islands 1942-1945. Front cover has Unit patches from top left to bottom right corner , at top right corner is the rising sun badge and bottom left corner 1940-45 Back cover is a listed Chronology.

Historical information

Large fold out map and chronology of Australian Army Operations between 1940-1945 that belonged to Private Joan Spencer VFX12932 (VF507134) born 12/11/1924 at Albury. The family moved to Wangaratta and Joan was educated at Wangaratta High School before joining the Australian Army Medical Women's Service at 115 (Heidelberg) Military Hospital. She served with the 130 Australia General Hospital and was deployed overseas to Japan on 17/6/1947 and returned on 26/1/1949

Inscriptions & Markings

Hand written at top - VFX Pte Joan Spencer AAMWS 115 (H) M.H.

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Canvas Dispatch Bag

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Brown canvas double sided pouch bag that opens out to reveal two clear plastic sleeves one of which has a brown cloth overlay. Attached on top is small metal ring near tear repaired by hand stitching.

Historical information

Item belonging to Lieutenant Albert John CRUISE born 13/4/1883 at Nathalia in Victoria. Educated at Geelong College. Enlisted in NSW on 29/8/1914 as Private No 86 1st Battalion. Promoted to L/cpl on 25/7/1915 then Lieutenant on 9/11/1915. He was nominated and appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire - Military Division for conspicuous services rendered as follows:- 'During the period 16-19 September to 11th November 1918 this officer has shown conspicuous devotion to duty and great gallantry in the performance of that duty. He has organised salvage parties and was instrumental during the advance in September in making German Dumps of HE material available for use in forward positions thus saving time and transport. His work throughout has been characterised by marked individuality and courage in the forward area and has been productive of far reaching results. He served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Due to pneumonia and enteric he returned to Australia in early 1916 to recuperate and married before returning in August 1916. In September 1919 he returned to Australia on board HMAT Takadaussie (refer item 363) and discharged on 7/11/1919. He later served full time with the CMF from 15/5/1940 - 17/10/1943. He died in 1952 Insufficient detail to positively identify Lieutenant Peters - possibly Captain Gordon Peters DSO born 5/7/1894 Adelaide South Australia. The 12th Infantry were recruited from Tasmania, South Australian and Western Australia. 9 Jun 1915: Enlisted AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 12th Infantry Battalion 21 Sep 1915: Involvement Lieutenant, 12th Infantry Battalion 21 Sep 1915: Embarked Lieutenant, 12th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Star of England, Adelaide 16 May 1917: Promoted AIF WW1, Captain, 12th Infantry Battalion 27 Jul 1919: Discharged AIF WW1, Captain, 12th Infantry Battalion 15 Sep 1919: Honoured Commander of the Order of the British Empire 30 Oct 1919: Honoured Mention in Dispatches, unknown

Inscriptions & Markings

Handwritten under rear flap 86 L/C A J Cruise 1st Bn M.G. Handwritten inside front pouch Lt. Peters 12th Inf

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced photograph of group of 17 soldiers in two rows with front row kneeling. A large warehouse is in the background.

Historical information

Image is one of twenty all relating to the 2/24th Battalion however the Iocation and identities of soldiers not known.

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.

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of female wearing army jacket with soldiers kneeling and standing in background.

Historical information

Dame Gracie Fields, DBE (born Grace Stansfield; 9 January 1898 – 27 September 1979) was an English actress, singer and comedienne and star of both cinema and music hall. When World War II was declared and whilst recovering from surgery she threw herself into her work and signed up for the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). Fields travelled to France to entertain the troops in the midst of air-raids, performing on the backs of open lorries and in war-torn areas. She performed many times for Allied troops, travelling as far as New Guinea, where she received an enthusiastic response from Australian personnel. In late 1945 she toured the South Pacific Islands. In 1979, seven months before her death, she was invested a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the entertainment industry.

Inscriptions & Markings

Handwritten on rear - Gracie Fields in Pacific

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of four Army Officers having a brew under roof of thatched hut and in front of banner of The Salvation Army/Australian Comfort Fund

Historical information

TARAKAN, BORNEO, 1945-05-08. GENERAL SIR THOMAS A. BLAMEY, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, (4), DRINKING COFFEE WITH SENIOR OFFICERS OUTSIDE THE SALVATION ARMY RED SHIELD HUT DURING HIS INSPECTION TOUR OF THE 2/23 INFANTRY BATTALION. IDENTIFIED PERSONNEL ARE:- BRIGADIER D.A. WHITEHEAD, COMMAND 26 INFANTRY BRIGADE, (1); LIEUTENANT COLONEL F.A.G. TUCKER, (2); LIEUTENANT COLONEL DWYER, (3); LIEUTENANT GENERAL F.H. BERRYMAN, GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING 1 CORPS (5).

Significance

Brigadier David Adie Whitehead had a distinguished and decorated career in both First and Second World Wars. He joined the Citizen Military Forces when it was raised in 1947 and commanded the 2nd Armoured Brigade (4th/19th Prince of Wales’s Light Horse and 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regiments) till 1953 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 note attached to rear -Whitehead on L Blamey on R - Qld tablelands (?)

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of soldiers and Army Officer watching on as two soldiers in foreground demonstrate equipment

Historical information

RAVENSHOE, QLD. 1944-06-19. THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, ALLIED LAND FORCES, SOUTH WEST PACIFIC AREA, VX1 GENERAL SIR THOMAS BLAMEY, GBE., KCB., CMG., DSO., ED., AND HIS STAFF WATCHING PERSONNEL OF HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 2/24TH INFANTRY BATTALION ENGAGED IN THEIR 3" MORTAR DRILL DURING HIS TOUR OF INSPECTION OF ARMY UNITS IN THE ATHERTON AREA

Significance

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of five soldiers patrolling in dense jungle terraiin

Historical information

TROOPS OF THE 2/24TH. AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATTALION ON PATROL IN THE SATTELBERG AREA, NEW GUINEA IN 1943 DURING WW2

Significance

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of metal pylon structures with man standing in bombed foreground

Historical information

Prior to the Second World War Tarakan Island was part of the Dutch East Indies and an important oil-producing centre. In early 1942 it was occupied by the Japanese. The primary objective for the Allied attack on Tarakan (code-named "Oboe One") was to secure and develop the island's airstrip so that it could be used to provide air cover for subsequent landings in Brunei, Labuan and Balikpapan. The secondary objective for the operation was to secure Tarakan's oilfields and bring them into operation as a source of oil for the Allied forces. As part of the 26th Brigade the 2/24 Battalion landed at Tarakan on May1 1945. The task of capturing Tarakan's airstrip was assigned to the 2/24th Battalion. The Battalion's initial attack on the airstrip on the night of 2 May was delayed when the Japanese set off large explosive charges, and the airstrip was not secured until 5 May

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 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.

Inscriptions & Markings

Handwritten on rear - Oil wells on Tarakan

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Photograph

Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch, Wangaratta

Reproduced black and white photograph of two rows of long buildings with four men between one small building and two rows of tent like structures in the foreground. There are small buildings and smoke rising in the background.

Historical information

Image appears to be of Army camp based near/at rural village with outlying buildings on Tarakan Island

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 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour.

Inscriptions & Markings

On rear - Boxing ring on Tarakan

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