We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
Official photographs taken of Australian Soldiers and Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels during WW2 in New Guinea.
Collection of 28 black and white unframed photographs depicting soldiers and "fuzzy wuzzy angels" in the jungles of New Guinea
Nl
Replica miniature medals - Boer War/1914-15 Star/British War/Victory Medal -issued to Captain Arthur William ROSS born at Cowes. Enlisted on 31/8/1914 aged 38 years, embarked on 20/10/1914 and served with the Aust. Army Postal Corps before returning to Australia on 15/11/1919. Boer war service unknown.
Set of four miniature medals, three round and one diamond shaped. Two silver and two brass alloy metal all with multi coloured ribbons attached to metal bar with rear pin. Medals contained in black covered box with gold coloured metal plaque with black printing attached to lid.
Plaque - Capt. Arthur William Ross 1876-1967/Boer War,18 months - 5th VMR/WW1- 1914-1919 Aust. Army Postal Corps./WW1 - Egypt 1915, ANZAC Light Horse
medals, capt a. w. ross, boer war, ww1
Travel Pass token issued to Widows of World War 1 Veterans entitling free access on all public transport.
Round gold metal token with small loop attached at top. Obverse side is yellow with writing and numbers in gold overlayed in resin.
Obverse - Widow of World War 1 Veteran Travel Pass 6672 Reverse - Not transferable
travel pass, ww1 widows
Special edition RSL Lapel Badge made for the end of WW1 (1919)
Small irregular shaped gold metal lapel badge with red blue and white enamel detail. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in raised brass lettering. The outer edges of the shield are white enamel. Representing unity are the floral symbols for Australia and the United Kingdom in the top left and right hand shoulders of the shield; Wattle for Australia, leek for Wales, rose for England, thistle for Scotland and the shamrock for Ireland. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in raised brass lettering.
Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League Australia 1919 Reverse - Made in Australia
rsl, badge, 1919, ww1
Motor spirit ration tickets issued to Wangaratta farmer Harry Fisher during WW2. Eleven tickets in all, 5 tickets for 5 gallons and 6 tickets for 2 gallons. Seven tickets had valid only dates for 1942.
11 small tickets all the same size but in various colours with perforated edges
4 tickets - (1 red and 3 brown ) Commonwealth Liquid Fuel Control Board/Motor Spirit Ration Ticket/Two2Gals/Department of Supply & Development/Issued under National Security Act 1939-40 Remaining 7 tickets all have 1942 validity dates.
ww2, fuel ration tickets
Australian army issue khaki green beret - In all service branches, the beret is "bashed" to the right and a badge or insignia is worn above the left eye. In the army, all units can wear them with certain units wearing unique ones. No further details are known about the item.
Khaki green beret with gold metal badge
Badge - The Australian Army
australian army, beret
Silk postcard from France written by unknown WW1 soldier from Milawa addressed to Mrs G Kittle/Kettle c/- Post Office Milawa. WW1 service records reveal Charles James KETTLE 29741 was born in Milawa and enlisted on 15/4/1916 aged 39 years. He embarked on the 3/10/1916 and served in France prior to being diagnosed with a tumour and whilst being repatriated home died on 10/8/1917 and was buried at sea. Listed place of association was Wangaratta.
Embroidered silk postcards were first made in 1900 for the Paris Exposition. The popularity of silk postcards peaked during the First World War 1914 - 1918.They were mostly embroidered by French women in their homes and then sent to the factories for cutting and mounting on cards. Many of the cards were illustrated with patriotic symbols, flags, slogans, or sentimental texts. During the First World War, many Allied officers and soldiers based in France sent silk embroidered postcards to their loved ones back home
Rectangle cream cardboard postcard with embossed border containing coloured embroidered stitch work of a basket and in words “forget me not” on silk
Handwritten inside - just a souvenir of your beloved France from one of the boys from Milawa addressed to Mrs G Kettle/Kittle Post Office Milawa via Wangaratta Victoria
embroidered postcard, ww1, milawa
Prayer book belonging to Una (Billie) Mackey, a signalwoman/driver during WW2.
Cream cardboard booklet with red printing below image of rising sun badge.
Readings and Prayers for Members of Army Women’s Services Issued by the Australian Army Chaplains’ Department
ww2, army women’s services, una mackey, prayer book
Field message and note book issued to Barry Batten 3787527 who served in the Vietnam War
Green fabric covered note book with flip cover containing white pages with small printed blue squares
Australian Military Forces AAB - 64 Reprinted November 1965 Field Message and Note Book Handwritten top left corner 3787527 L/Cpl Batten
notebook, barry batten, vietnam war
Original WW2 Medal awarded to Francis John Climas VX 21940 born 6/9/1907 at Bendigo. Served in the Middle East with the 2/8 Field Co RAE and 2/14 Battalion. Date of enlistment 5/6/1940 and medically discharged on 13/3/1943.
Round shaped silver metal medal depicting a head with crown and on the reverse side a lion.
Obverse side GeorgeVI Reverse side 1939-1945 Side edge -VX21940 FJ CLIMAS
ww2, fj climas, service medal
An example of a field Telephone Set which was used by Australian forces during the Second World War for verbal communications over short distances.
Rectangular aluminum green painted box with metal loops secured to the sides of the body. . The housing opens by a hinged fold back lid that is secured by a hook and eye closure. Attached to the inside of the lid is a metal plate with instructions for use together with a circuitry diagram. The interior contains the phone assembly and is divided by a metal box with a pull up button in front. There are two terminals at the front right hand side in line with an external winder. Attached with a cord to the left side is a black bakelite telephone handset.
YAA856 Telephone Set “L” No2 (Aust)
Six black and white postcards all with photographs featuring Thomas Karnatz VX48290 POW and fellow soldiers of the 2/24th Battalion possibly taken whilst serving overseas in the Middle East during WW2. Second soldier identified as Joseph Disher Darley VX48803 2/23 Battalion born 16/1/1919 and died in February 1989.
Six black and white postcards with images of men in military uniform
thomas karnatz, ww2, middle east, pow, 2/24 battalion, joseph darley
Two handwritten letters - dated 27/6/1941 on blue lined writing paper from Pte D Detbridge VX31082 D Coy2/24 Batt. AIF Abroad to Mrs Karnatz advised her husband Tom was safe. He and several others were surrounded and forced to surrender and taken prisoners. Two of the boys managed to escape and brought the good news about Tom and others, being well and safe……… Airmail letter card dated 2/1/1942 from Pte Detbridge to Mrs Karnatz thanking her for the cake of chocolate and enquiring about Tom and if he had mentioned Tim Rogers, a mate who has not been heard of for some time. Thomas Allan Karnatz VX 48290 2/24 Battalion - born 16/7/1916. Enlisted Albury 22/7/1940 - Caulfield 8/8/1940 aged 24 years 17/10/1940 posted from 2/23 to 2/24 Battalion. Embarked 16/11/1940 and disembarked Middle East 17/12/1940. Reported missing in action on 6/5/1941 and officially prisoner of war on 8/7/1941. 26/4/1945 recovered POW arrived in UK prior to returning to Australia.
Two handwritten letters - one in lead pencil on blue lined writing paper and the second in black ink on Airmail Letter Card with square blue stamp top right corner and triangular purple stamp lower left corner.
Air Mail Letter Card addressed to Mrs T A Karnatz Tawonga Roadside Wodonga Victoria Australia Purple triangle stamp containing Passed by Censor No 3469 with a crown in the centre.
ww2, 2/24 battalion, tobruk, thomas karnatz, pow
Folded cream cardboard with irregular edging and wording in black print on front cover and inside back cover. Red and white rolled thread/ribbon tied through two punched holes on left margin. Inside contains a black and white panorama of a seaside bay.
1941 Greetings from 2/24 Aust Inf Bn/AIF ABROAD Inside card - Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and Joy in the New Year/Xmas 1941/New Year 1942
Australian Military Forces Certificate of Discharge dated 27/7/1945 issued to Thomas Allan Karnatz VX 48290 2/24 Battalion - born 16/7/1916. Enlisted Albury 22/7/1940 - Caulfield 8/8/1940 aged 24 years 17/10/1940 posted from 2/23 to 2/24 Battalion. Embarked 16/11/1940 and disembarked Middle East 17/12/1940. Reported missing in action on 6/5/1941 and officially prisoner of war on 8/7/1941. 26/4/1945 recovered POW arrived in UK prior to returning to Australia.
Cream coloured paper certificate with words printed and hand written in black ink.
Australian Military Forces Certificate of Discharge No 173511
ta karnatz, ww2, pow, tobruk, 2/24 battalion
Brown vinyl wallet containing various papers including identity card, receipt for 60 pounds deposit for 1929 Dodge dated 23/12/1947, Ministry of Food vouchers, postcard, newspaper cutting, black and white photograph of two young boys with a bicycle - handwritten on rear from Mrs T A Karnatz Tawonga Roadside Wodonga Victoria Australia to Private Thomas Karnatz Prisoner of War No 139745 ARB KDO 7001 Stalag 11B Germany. Item belonged to Thomas Allan Karnatz VX 48290 2/24 Battalion - born 16/7/1916. Enlisted Albury 22/7/1940 - Caulfield 8/8/1940 aged 24 years 17/10/1940 posted from 2/23 to 2/24 Battalion. Embarked 16/11/1940 and disembarked Middle East 17/12/1940. Reported missing in action on 6/5/1941 and officially prisoner of war on 8/7/1941. 26/4/1945 arrived UK recovered POW
Brown vinyl wallet containing assorted military and personal papers
Inside printed in gold lettering - Good wishes from the Australian Red Cross Society
ww2, pow, 2/24 battalion, t a karnatz, tobruk
This is a WW2 Morse code Signalling Lamp B 5A/2334 in its original wooden box. It was probably manufactured by BTH (British Thomson Houston), who were manufacturers of the iconic ‘Aldis Lamp.’ It was used for signalling ship to aircraft and ground to aircraft using morse code.
Timber transit box with with hinged opening top secured by non return catches containing black metal round lamp with glass face attached to a low square stand. There are two metal bars attached to lid.
Inside lid - Ref No 5A/2338 or 0? Hand painted in white SOS …—-… Box front face - printed in white and barely legible “small lamp”
An example of a Telephone Set D Mk V which was used by Australian forces during the Second World War for verbal and Morse code communications over short distances via a telephone line.
An example of a Telephone Set D Mk V which was used by Australian forces during the Second World War for verbal and Morse code communications over short distances via a telephone line.
Rectangular aluminum green painted box with broad canvas webbing strap secured to the side of the body through metal loops. Two vertical webbing loops are attached to the rear of the body. Stencilled in black on top TELE. SET. D. MK. V.'. The housing opens by a hinged fold back lid that is secured by a hook and eye closure. Attached to the inside of the lid are two metal plates. The first is a circuitry diagram, the second is the instructions for use of the set. The interior contains the phone assembly and is divided by a metal shelf. On the left is a bell with two screw terminal in front. At the center is the telegraph key and behind that is the battery box with a small metal plate with, 'TELEPHONE SET. D.MK.V To the right is metal box with two terminals in frontAttached to the bottom of the shelf is a slide out metal key Below the shelf is a compartment in which is stowed a black metal headset with provision for a bakelite handset with attached cord and four-prong plug.
Tele Set stamped on outside of unit. Inside lid plaque - Telephone Set D MK V
Three WW2 service medals awarded to Alfred Harry MERIGAN 40471 - born on 13/2/1907 London, England. Next of Kin - wife Myrtle MERIGAN nee FURPHY (Shepparton) He was an instrument maker and Orchardist. Enlisted Melbourne on 12/5/1941 into the RAAF serving with the 21 and 83 Squadron. He was discharged on 26/11/1945 and died on 20/2/1977 aged 70 years. Medals are :- The War Medal 1939-1945/The Australian Service Medal 1939-1945/The Pacific Star
Small one box containing three military medals with multi-colour striped ribbons attached.
40471 - A H Merigan
ww2, raaf, medals
When the Philippine currency, or pesos, were reprinted in 1944, it was called the Victory series #66. The reason they named the series “66” was because that was the age late President Quezon passed away just after the liberation of Philippines. Philippine Victory notes (series 66) were printed by the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing. They were carried by US forces commanded by General MacArthur when they landed on Leyte Island on 20 October 1944.
Philippines One peso denomination lithograph banknote. The face has a blue seal in the lower right side and on the left side is an image of a male. The reverse side has a pattern featuring the value in orange overlaid centrally in black with 'Victory'
Victory series 66 No F15876228
philippines, banknote, victory series #66
These notes are generally referred to as Japanese Invasion Money (JIM). This note is one of a series issued by the Japanese forces of occupation in the Pacific theatre during the second world war. Following the fall of Singapore into the hands of Imperial Japan on 15 February 1942 the Japanese introduced new currencies to replace those previously in use in the occupied territories of Singapore, Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei between 1942 and 1945. The new currency in Malaya and Singapore were issued with the same value as the Malayan dollar and first entered circulation in 1942. This example of Japanese Invasion Money was intended for use in Malaya as indicted by the letter M in the block letters MN. The currency was also referred to informally as "banana money" because of the motifs of banana trees on 10 dollar banknotes
Green on cream lithographed banknote of ten dollar denomination. The face features a tropical scene with palms and a hand of bananas. A pair of block stamped serial letters (MN), in black, appear at the bottom of the note. The reverse is printed with a pattern featuring the value and a beach scene with palms centrally located.
The Japanese Government promises to pay the Bearer on demand ten dollars
ww2, currency, japanese, japanese invasion money, banana money
Item presented to Lieutenant General Power who was deployed as the Deputy Chief of Staff,Strategic Partnering Headquarters International Security Assistance Force, Kabul, Afghanistan in 2010-11.Lieutenant General Power retired from the Army on 19 July 2014, his final posting being the Chief of Joint Operations.
The Australian contribution to the war in Afghanistan has been known as Operation Slipper (2001–2014)
Brown timber frame with cream mount containing print containing collage of eight images.
Plaque - Presented to Lieutenant General B A Power AO CSC Chief of Joint Operations In appreciation of your support for Joint Task Force 633 20 May 2011 to 19 May 2014
operation slipper, australian national headquarters, afghanistan, adf
Colour photograph of Lt General Brian Ashley "Ash" Power AO, CSC . Ash Power was born on the 20th of January 1957 in Wangaratta, Victoria. After completing his secondary education at Wangaratta High School, he entered the Royal Military College in 1975, graduating in 1978 into the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. His initial appointment was as a Section Commander in 4th Field Regiment. He further served in 4th Field Regiment as a Gun Position Officer, Assistant Adjutant, Adjutant, Operations Officer (BatteryCommander Headquarters Battery) and Commanding Officer.Ash has commanded the 1st Brigade, 1st Division and Training Command – Army. He has served on exchange at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Camberley, United Kingdom and has had other training appointments at the School of Artillery, and the Royal Military College Duntroon. He also served as the Defence Attaché in Thailand. On operations Ash deployed to Bougainville on Operation BELISI as Chief of Staff in 1998 and in 1999, after a short period as Chief of Staff Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, was deployed as the Colonel Operations for INTERFET in East Timor. From June 2004 to July 2005 he was appointed as Director, Combined Planning Group, US Central Command, Tampa. He deployed as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Partnering Headquarters International Security Assistance Force, Kabul, Afghanistan in 2010-11. Lieutenant General Power retired from the Army on 19 July 2014, his final posting being the Chief of Joint Operations
Brown timber frame containing photograph of uniformed Army Officer
ash power, australian army
Photograph of Dinah Lee, Wayne Stephens and Ash Power taken at the Vietnam Veteran's Motorcycle Clubrooms at the unveiling of a commemorative wall to honour the 521 personnel who died during the Vietnam War on the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in August 2016. Dinah LEE - Lee entertained troops in Vietnam in the late 1960s on Australian Broadcasting Commission-sponsored tours and was awarded the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal. Wayne STEPHENS - Vietnam Veteran and Victorian President of the Vietnam Veteran's Motorcycle Club. Ash POWER - Lt. Gen (Rtd) President of Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Black frame and mount containing colour photograph of two males either side of a female - all wearing jackets with colour badges/patches.
50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan 2016 Lt Gen (Rtd) Ash Power, Dinah Lee, Mark Stephens
vietnam war
105mm Fired Tank Cartridge Case with Inerting Certificate for display purposes from 1 Armoured Regiment and presented to Brig. Ash POWER CSC from the Commanding Officers and Men 1st Armoured Regiment to mark the occasion of his ' Big Bang" 19 Jun 03 - fired by the Brigade Commander prior to redeployment and one of the last cartridges to be fired from a leopard tank prior to being replaced by the Abrams tank.
A common, NATO-standard, tank gun cartridge used in 105mm guns
Large brass empty cartridge case
Plaque - Presented to Brig Ash POWER CSC from the Commanding Officers and Men 1st Armoured Regiment to mark the occasion of your Big Bang 19 Jun 03 Base - SATO NT 278/03...105MMTK PW244
tank, cartridge, 1 armoured regiment
An imaginary gathering of the nine Australian Ships which at different times served the United Nations Forces fighting the North Koreans and Chinese during the Korean War of 1950-53. The item belonged to Clarence Stanley FLENTJAR R38429 who enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy. He served on HMAS Cerebus, Tobruk and Melville and a veteran of the Korean War.
The Korean War was a war fought between North Korea and South Korea from 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953. The war began on 25 June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea following clashes along the border and rebellions in South Korea.North Korea was supported by China and the Soviet Union while South Korea was supported by the United Nations, principally the United States. The fighting ended with an armistice on 27 July 1953.
Black frame with cream mount containing a screen print on silk depicting 9 naval ships and 4 airborne aircraft at sea
Australia's Navy in the Korean War 1950-53 An imaginary gathering of the nine Australian Ships which at different times served the United Nations Forces fighting the North Koreans and Chinese during the Korean War of 1950-53. The aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, in the centre, is being screened in close order by (clockwise from top centre) the frigates Condamine, Culgoa, Shoalhaven and Murchison, and the destroyers Tobruk, Warramunga, Anzac and Bataan. Airborne overhead are Firefly and Sea Fury aircraft from HMAS Sydney. White Plaque - mounted on glass - C S FLENTJAR 38429 HMAS Tobruk D37 Korea 1951-1952
ran, korean war, hmas tobruk, hmas cerebus, hmas melville
The headstamp on these cartridges indicates they were manufactured in 1942 at the St Louis Ordnance Plant in Missouri USA. They were souvenired and engraved by Australian servicemen in New Guinea during WW2. All five cartridges are engraved with RAAF and Dutch New Guinea with one having additional engraving of Hollandia, Nadzab and Merauke. They belonged to 285492 Maurice Gerard HENDERSON born 21/9/1899 who enlisted at the age of 40 and served with the RAAF during WW2. He was deployed on 26/5/1944 with 113 FCU to Merauke in New Guinea.
No. 13 Fighter Sector Headquarters was formed at Garbutt airfield on 16 Apr 1943. They embarked from Cairns, Queensland on 27 Jun 1943 and disembarked at Merauke on 2 Jul 1943. The Unit was renamed as No.113 Fighter Control Unit (113 FCU) on 7 Mar 1944. They moved to Townsville on 25 Feb 1945. The Unit was finally disbanded on 22 Apr 1945.
Five white metal cartridges with round base tampered to a pointed top.
Headstamp - SL 42 Engraved - RAAF Dutch New Guinea
raaf, ww2, cartridge sl42, new guinea
Three original WW2 medals awarded to 51647 Charles William FRENCH born 8.2.1911 at Wahgunyah in Victoria. He enlisted on 2.2.1942. FRENCH served with the RAAF as a Leading Aircraftman and was attached to the 12 Aircraft Repair Depot when discharged on 13.1.1947.
1939-1945 War Medal, Australian Service Medal and Defence Medal
Three found white metal medals attached to multi striped colour ribbons.
51647 C W FRENCH
medal, ww2, raaf
First world war experiences written and published in booklet form entitled "My Brother" by Leo Blanchard HANLY - Private 1702 served the 3 Light Horse Field Ambulance. Embarked on 15.7.1915 and returned on 2.1.1919. Leo wrote the book about his brother Theodore Hanly. Theodore and another brother, Joseph Dillon also served in the 3 LH Field Ambulance alongside Leo. This particular booklet was addressed to, inside front cover, "Matron McMillan from Leo Hanly 3-8-1982", 21 days prior to his passing.
Personal account of experiences during WW1 by Leo HANLY Private 1702
Blue cardboard covered rectangular booklet with thin dark blue inner border.
Cover - "My Brother" Inside front cover handwritten " To Matron McMillan from Leo Hanly 3-8-'82"
ww1, 3 light horse field ambulance, leo hanly, theodore hanly, joseph dillon hanly
Medallion issued by the Borough of Wangaratta to local citizens in recognition of their service during World War 2. This medallion was awarded to 127869 LAC RAMAGE W A - Wilfred Allen Born 29/1/1925. Served in the RAAF between 1943- 1946 then transferred to the RAN. Died on 3/1/2004 and buried at Wangaratta.
Medallion issued by the Borough of Wangaratta to local citizens in appreciation of their service during WW2
Circular silver metal medallion - obverse side has coat of arms above image of woman in a field - rear side embossed with laurel wreath.
Borough of Wangaratta Incorporated 1863 In Grateful Appreciation 127869 LAC Ramage W A World War 1939-1945
medallion, borough of wangaratta, ww2, w a ramage, raaf, ran
Two minature medals are:- The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medal recognises members of the Australian Defence Force who served for 30 days in East Timor during the INTERFET campaign (16 September 1999 – 10 April 2000). Australian Active Service Medal with 'East Timor' clasp.
The Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) is an Australian military decoration. It was authorised on 13 September 1988 to recognise prescribed service in "warlike" operations, backdated to February 1975. It is awarded with a clasp to denote the prescribed operation and subsequent awards of the medal are made in the form of additional clasps.
Presentation box containing two circular silver metal medals attached to striped ribbons mounted together with pin attached at rear.
Presentation box lid - Australian Active Service Medal Medal -East Timor Medal - International Force East Timor
medals, east timor, interfet
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
