Cornflower - Bleuet de France

GRSL218.jpg

From the Collection of Geelong RSL Sub Branch 50 Barwon Heads Road Belmont Victoria

Description: A Blue metal flower (cornflower) on a metal lapel pin.
Size: 2.0 cm x 2.0 cm
Object Registration: GRSL218
Keywords: bleuet de france, poppy like flower
Historical information: The bleuet de France is the symbol used in France to finance War Veterans, very similar the the Poppy.
The bleuet de France is available for sale on 11 November and 08 May each year.
Similar to the poppy this flower continued to grow in land devastated by shelling and military activity.
When Made: Early 20th Century
Significance: This pin is an original.
Last updated: 30 Dec 2017 at 3:07PM

Card - A Christmas Message to the ANZACS

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

An oblong card, an off while colour with a paper insert held in place by a tied cotton thread.

Historical information

This souvenir card "to the ANZACS Christmas 1915" was produced with greeting messages from General Sir Ian Hamilton, General Sir William Birdwood and Senator Pearce. The card was being sent by Australian Women in England to all Invalided Australians in England, Egypt and Malta. It would appear that Lady Birdwood was one of many behind the production of the Card. On the back of the Drawing Page is a note from Dr S H Archibald, 6th A S C dated 27 December 1915 "This card was given to me by Miss Birdwood, who is a Nurse on the Hospital Staff."

Significance

The Card and the "With Compliments" page are original as were sent to Invalid Australians in England, Egypt and Malta in December 1915.

Inscriptions & Markings

Front a Rising Sun, a picture of General Sir William R Birdwood, a message from General Sir Ian Hamilton, a Cooee to Australia drawing from Gen William Birdwood, inside last page a message from Gen Ian Hamilton. On the back page of the drawing is a note from Dr S H Achibald 6th A S C dated 27 December 1915. There is also a page with the Card issued with the Compliments of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.

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Untitled

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

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Certificate - VX32317 F O Bryne

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

An oblong brown framed Certificate. White paper inscription by Shire of Wimmera.

Historical information

VX32317 Francis O Bryne was born in Horsham and enlisted into the AIF for service in WW2. This Certificate has been issued by the Shire of Wimmera to recognize the service of VX32317 F O Bryne who was a resident of this Shire.

Significance

This is the original certificate that was issued to VX32317 Francis O Bryne,

Inscriptions & Markings

A presentation Certificate to VX32317 Francis O Bryne from the Shire of Wimmera.

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Belt - Sam Browne

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

Leather Belt.

Historical information

This is an original belt, however the name on the back is illegible, except for WO1. The Sam Browne belt is named after Sam Browne who when injured devised the belt to hold a sword and the belt had two shoulder pieces when a pistol was added.

Significance

This is an original Sam Browne belt.

Inscriptions & Markings

On the back of the belt WW1, name is not legible

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Medal - VX122136 A G Ellis

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

War Medal 1939-1945 - round silver, Ribbon - cloth, red, blue and white

Historical information

This Medal belongs to VX122136 Andrew G Ellis, he was born in Geelong and enlisted in the AIF in Seymour. VX122136 A G Ellis served during WW2.

Significance

This Medal is the original that belonged to VX122136 A G Ellis, who served during WW2.

Inscriptions & Markings

VX1221136 A G Ellis inscribed on the bottom of the medal.

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Suitcase

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

Brown, oblong suitcase.

Historical information

This Suitcase was issued to 49974 Kenneth Moore who served with RAAF during WW2.

Significance

This Suitcase is original and was issued to 49974 Kenneth Moore, RAAF.

Inscriptions & Markings

On the front of the suitcsase, 49974, RAAF

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Medals - J W Vienna

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

Medals, photographs, lapel badges

Historical information

SX37291 J W Vienna enlisted into the Australian Army on 07 October 1944 and was posted to 67th Battalion (BCOF).

Significance

The items are the originals belonging to SX 37291 J W Vienna.

Inscriptions & Markings

SX 37291 J W Vienna, Medals include Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Korea Medal, Korea UN Medal.

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Gas Mask

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

A gas mask in a vinyl 'V' shaped cover,

Historical information

This mask belonged to Tina Howard, 1922-2015, Tina lived in Glasgow during WW2 and was required to carry the mask at all times.

Significance

This is an original mask

Inscriptions & Markings

On the mask VRB 4.40, medium

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Aust Army Signallier Trade Badge

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

Metal, crossed flags, ?brass, backing plate, has two split pins.

Historical information

Australian Army Signaller Trade Proficiency Badges were worn during the WW2 era ?1930-1942

Significance

This is an original badge

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Documents - VX111423 Pte R G Fitz

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

AAB 83 Record of Service Book, AAB 87 Demolization Procedure Book, AAF F 204 Members Personal Equipment Card

Historical information

These three Books, AAB 83, AAb 87 and AAF F 204 have belonged to Pte R G Fitz. Pte Fitz is a Victorian, he enlisted on 02 August 1941, interestingly his discharge was from 153 Aust Port Craft Coy, RAE.

Significance

VX111423 Pte R G Fitz enlisted in the AIF on 02 August 1941, the books are originals that belonged to Pte Fitz.

Inscriptions & Markings

All books - VX111423 Pte R G Fitz

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Military Documents

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

AAB 83 Record of Service Book, AAB 87 Demobilization Procedure Book, AM Form M 7 Record of Service Book, The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book.

Historical information

There are seven (7) items here, the AAB83, AAB 87, A M Form M7, The Australian Soldiers Pocket Book, a New Testament (printed in 1916 at the Cambridge University Press), The Book of Common Prayer (Eyre & Spottiswoode), Diocese of Sydney, Forms of Prayer and Hymns, Form of Service - Church Parades of the AMF, a note book of information collected by Pte Reid.

Significance

V166315 Pte C R Reid was a Geelong man who lived in Moolap, he enlisted in the AMF on 23 March 1942. All the docume nts are original and belonged to Pte Reid.

Inscriptions & Markings

Army Number V166315 Pte C R Reid, West Moolap, via Geelong.

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Documents - 826 Harry J Britter

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

Paper clippings, Cablegrams, Greeting Cards

Historical information

The family of 826 Harry James Britter have collected paper clippings, cablegrams, greeting cards relating to the Service of H J Britter, who enlisted into the AIF on 12 July 1915, he was posted to 31 Battalion. In WW1 this Battalion initially went to Egypt, the Battalion consisted of two companies from Queensland and two companies from Victoria.

Significance

The documents are originals and have been preserved by the family of 8216 Harry J Britter, a Geelong man who enlisted into the AIF on 12 July 1915

Inscriptions & Markings

Paper clippings - with photographs of 826 H J Britter, PMG Cablegrams from Britter to wife etc, Military PMG Cablegrams re Britter injured in hospital. Greeting Cards from Britter to wife.

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Book - Echoes of ANZAC

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

A grey coloured book, white pages, oblong shape, 47 pages.

Historical information

This book was compiled by 1557 Gnr F E Westbrook. Gnr Westbrook was posted to 4th Battery 2nd F A B, he enlisted into the AIF 16 Sep 1914.

Significance

This booklet is of War Verses and Other Poems by 1557 Gnr F E Westbrook. Gnr Westbrook Enlisted into the AIF in Bairnsdale in 1914, Victoria, he served in 4th Battery, 2nd F A B and went to Egypt, Gallipoli and France.

Inscriptions & Markings

front page - Echoes of ANZAC, by Gnr F E Westbrook , Late 2nd F A B. Introduction by the late Gen Sir James Whitesides McCay. Price One Shilling.

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Badge - RSL Affiliate

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

A squarish badge, crown on top, cream colour, blue inscribed ribbons, air force wings, rising sub and anchor in the middle of the badge.

Historical information

RSL Affiliate Membership was introduced in 1969 in South Australia. Now SA, Victoria, WA and Tasmania offer Affiliate Membership.

Significance

This is an original Affiliate Badge.

Inscriptions & Markings

Returned and Services League, Affiliate. Reverse - Aust Made, V14523, Not Transferable, Property of RSL, A J Parks

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Badge - Aust Legion of Ex Servicemen and Women

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

A diamond shaped badge, a crown at the top, rising sun, anchor, air force wings in the middle, blue inscribed enamel round the diamond, Aust Legion of ex Servicemen and Women.

Historical information

This Association was formed in December 1944 from a number of existing organisations. The membership is open to all ex service personnel, including British Commonwealth and Allied personnel, etc

Significance

This organisation was formed in 1944, the badges are originals.

Inscriptions & Markings

1st badge - has a 66 badge on the crown, one the reverse v3327, the 2nd badge has a Life Subscriber attachment - a red scroll, on the reverse Brim Melb number 8732556.

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Badge - Air Force Association

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

A round shape with wings through the middle of the badge, Crown on the top of the badge, the centre is the Air Force red, white and blue. This badge has a pale blue across the bottom, Air Force Association.

Historical information

The Air Force Association was formed in Melbourne in 1919, by Mr H V Leckie. The Association was formed after Mr Leckie put an advertisement in the newspaper asking for interested former members of the Air Force Corps to meet him.

Significance

This badge with the number 97277 on the reverse has belonged to a member of the Air Force Association

Inscriptions & Markings

On the reverse of the badge Number 97277, K G Luke Melb.

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Memorial Plaque

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

A Bronze Plaque,

Historical information

This Plaque was made and issued to the NOK of a service person who died during service or as a result of service. The concept of this plaque was began in 1917. There may have been over 1 million plaques made.

Significance

This Memorial Plaque has a 'W' on the reverse of the plaque which indicates it could have been made at Woolwich. There is no name in the rectangle provided.

Inscriptions & Markings

On the reverse - W On the Front - He Died for Freedom and Honour

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Badge - Returned from Active Service

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

Diamond shape bronze badge - on the front a crown, an anchor, rising sun, and wings. Underneath on a boomerang the words 'Returned from Active Service'.

Historical information

This badge was made in 1940 and has the number A12397, A indicated issued to an AIF member. These badges were issued to all Returned from Active Service Personnel between 1940 and 2012.

Significance

The badge is an original and has been issued to a member of the AIF on Return from Active Service.

Inscriptions & Markings

On the reverse - A12397, G & E Rodd 1940.

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Badge - RSL Life Membership

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

Badge, white background, blue centre with four figures in gold colour in the centre. Returned and Services League around the blue, Australia in the red ribbon,m Life Member in the attachment at the bottom of the badge.

Historical information

These badges are issued to members who pay for life membership or those who have been appointed honorary life members.

Significance

This is an original badge that has been issued to a life member.

Inscriptions & Markings

On the back - V2526, badge remain property of the league.

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Badge - R&SLA

Geelong RSL Sub Branch, Belmont

Metal gold coloured badge, white background, blue circle with four figures in a coloured gold centre of the circle. A red ribbon like across the bottom .

Historical information

This badge is issued to personnel who have served during periods of peacetime and personnel who had not served overseas.

Significance

This is the last time the Badge has been changed (1990) - a fourth figure has been added to the figures in the centre of the badge, and the name changed to Returned and Services League Australia. The fourth figure, female, recognises our female service personnel.

Inscriptions & Markings

Front - in the blue circle Returned & Services League, in the red ribbon on the bottom of the badge Australia. Covering the crown the year badge 03. Back - Badge Remains Property of League, V26132.

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Cornflower - Bleuet de France

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