Historical information

Red gum shield was made from a piece of the Ovens River punt which served as a river crossing at the Sydney Hotel two centuries ago and which had lain on the river bed for approximately 100 years. The punt was raised by members of the Royal Australian Engineers whose names, unit and badge apear on the shield in the early 1970s.

Significance

Red gum shield was made from a piece of the Ovens River punt which served as a river crossing at the Sydney Hotel two centuries ago and which had lain on the river bed for approximately 100 years. The punt was raised by members of the Royal Australian Engineers whose names, unit and badge appear on the shield in the early 1970s.
In 2019, after nearly 70 years at Balcke House, the Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch will take up new residence at the Sydney Hotel.

Physical description

Red Gum timber in shape of shield with crest and plaque.

Inscriptions & markings

Crown of Australian Engineers above a list of the soldiers who worked on the project.
Attached is a card which states :- This red gum shield was made from a piece of the Ovens River punt which served as a river crossing at the Sydney Hotel two centuries ago and which had lain on the river bed for approximately 100 years.
The punt was raised by members of the Royal Australian Engineers whose names, unit and badge appear on the shield in the early 1970s.
It was made and presented to the Wangaratta RSL by Jim Sloan of Wangaratta.