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.
Untitled image
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Bendigo Military Museum
Item in the collection relating to LT Col Jack Swatton Regt No 4905, refer Cat No 6719.2P for his extensive service record and RSL.
Collarless Khaki Shirt, long sleeve, only has 2 button system.
"J. W. SWATTON"
Badge of Town Crest of Verdun. Possibly collected or bought WW1.
Silver metal badge of town Verdon. In centre shield with an image of a Cathedral. A standing roaring lion on each side and the individual letter of "VERDUN" hanging like a chain on bottom. Pin on back.
"VERDUN" inscribed on top.
badge, verdun
Badge "A" for ANZAC. Worn on sleeve. Colour Patch issued to those who served on Gallipoli.
Badge of letter "A" with two rings on back to attach to uniform.
badge, anzac
Badge of unknown origin made by "Prouds Ltd" showing support for the French and Australian relationship.
Small Badge of unknown origin. Wreath on top of a banner. Australian Flag crossed with a French flag. Pin clip on the back. Date of 14th July on front and Viva Le French on banner with a light blue background.
Inscribe at bottom "Vive Le France" and in middle "14 Juillet".
badges, france
Medals issued to VX132160 "Pte A.W. Cooper", 67 Mobile Searchlight BTY RAR, A.W. Cooper is the father of the donor. Part of the Cooper Collection.
Court mounted set of WW2, 2nd AIF medals consisting of: 19939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal. 1939-45 Australian Service Medal.
Inscribed on the back of each star: VX132160 A.W. Cooper, 'D'. Inscribed on the rim of the War Medal and Australian Service Medal; 'VX132160 A.W. Cooper, 'D'"
cooper collection, a.w. cooper, medal set, ww2
Part of the Cooper Collection.
1. & 2. Two rank Insignia patches featuring the Australian Coat of Arms in green and gold. Background is dark khaki with cut edges.
cooper collections, rank insignia, warrant officer class 1.
Part of the Cooper Collection.
1. & 2. Embroidered Australian Coat of Arms in black thread on a square camouflage pattern background.
cooper collection, rank insignia, warrant officer class 1.
Part of the Cooper Collection.
1. & 2. Queen's Crown in gold and silver coloured metal thread. Red Velvet infill in crown. Background is black coloured felt.
cooper collection, rank insignia, warrant officer class 2
Part of the Cooper Collection.
1. & 2. Embroidered rank insignia (WO2) featuring a Queen's crown in gold, white and red thread. Dark Khaki background with overlocked edging. 3. Smaller version of 1. & 2. 4. & 5. Embroidered Rank Insignia (WO2) featuring a Queen's Crown in white and red thread. Dark Khaki coloured background.
cooper collection, rank insignia, warrant officer class 2
Medals awarded to "Pte H.C. Nott", No.288, 6th Bn AIF. See Catalogue No. 7816.4 for Nott's service record. Part of the Cooper Collection.
Set of three WW1 court mounted medals; 1914 -15 Star - red, white and blue ribbon. Kings crown above crossed swords. Victory Medal - purple, green, yellow and red ribbon, gold coloured circular disc with winged victory on front. British War Medal - yellow ribbon with blue and white edges. Silver coloured disc with King's profile. (N.B. Medals mounted in incorrect order - Victory Medal and British War medal reverse positions.)
cooper collection, herbert charles nott, medals, ww1
1. Khaki Woollen jacket. Four front pockets. The front is held shut with four shiny buttons. AMF Motif. Epaulettes have 3 pips each (Captain) and shiny badge "AUSTRALIA". The arms have a triangular colour patch, bisected, having a black triangle over a red triangle. On the collars are brass badges of the 17th Prince of Wales Light Horse. 2. Trousers Woollen khaki. Brown buttons on fly. Side pocket and pressed metal buttons around waist. 3. Lanyard - purple. 4. Bandolier, brown leather. Five Ammo pockets, brass buckle. 5. Belt - leather, brown. Brass, two pin buckle. Brass fittings to add a sword and shoulder strap.
4. Written on back of Bandolier = L.W. Baker R. Heath 4/3152.
passchendaele barracks trust, uniform, pre and post ww2, army
Royal Australian Survey Corps 75th Anniversary First Day Cover Envelope. The Stamp is stamped with a survey Corps badge in purple (the Corps Colour) " First day of Issue, Bonegilla Military Post Office 29 June 1990. The 41 cent stamp is a map extract. The envelope contains one large and three small paintings of Royal Australian Survey Corps activities and includes a Survey Corps Badge and Logo. The rear of the envelope contains a short history and role of the Royal Australian Survey Corps.
This is a khaki woollen greatcoat. Long sleeves, two pockets. The rear section can be opened - currently held shut with buttons. The front is held shut with 4 green plastic buttons. The coat has epaulettes.
army uniform, greatcoat, passchendaele barracks trust
This is a khaki colour pair of trousers. The bottom of each leg is tapered, with a similar colour bootlace to do it up. The hip section is wider for ease of riding a horse. The fly is held shut with 6 buttons, it has 2 front hip pockets with top entry. There are 6 buttons around the waist line. The knee areas are reinforced with double layer of same material. The material is of a ribbed wool design.
uniforms, light horse, passchendaele barracks trust
Ribbons = 1. Korea Medal. 2. U.N. Medal. Refers to the service of Norman Tupper 51455 3 RAR KOREA. Served 3 April 1952 - 24 March 1953.
1. Battle dress jacket. Khaki wool, two front pockets on both. Arms are a cloth badge for RA Survey Corps. A square cloth badge with a two tone shield, red over blue. On the shield is an image of a crowned lion standing on a big crown Corporal's stripes beneath that. On the left breast are two campaign ribbons. They are faded.
Written inside is "Tupper B.L." and "N. Tupper".
army uniform, survey corps, korean war, passchendaele barracks trust
Part of the Cooper Collection.
Two WO2 insignia featuring a brown and white embroidered Queen's Crown on a single piece of light khaki coloured fabric.
cooper collection, rank insignia, warrant officer class 2.
Part of the Cooper Collection.
1. - 3. Three WO2 insignia featuring a brown and white embroidered Queen's Crown in a Khaki fabric background. 4. A smaller example of 1. to 3.
cooper collection, rank insignia, warrant officer class 2
This certificate was awarded to William (Bill) Clarke of the Bendigo District RSL Bowls in 2001. He was a long time supporter of the Bowls and the Club holding the Presidents position when the Club was then Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club prior to becoming an RSL Club. Refer Cat No’s 8108, 8239.3P & 8241.4P.
Certificate framed, frame is black, certificate is in 3 colours, black, brown with the central name in blue. Centre of the certificate is the recipients name, at the bottom signed by the Bowls President.
Main points, “Certificate of Life Membership”, “Mr W. Clarke (Bill)”, “In Recognition of Outstanding Achievements”
brsl, smirsl, bdsc, life member, bdrslinc
Part of the Cooper Collection.
Two sets of rank insignia consisting of three gold coloured chevrons below a gold coloured Queen's Crown. Background is black fabric.
cooper collection, rank insignia, staff sergeant
Part of the Cooper Collection.
1. Set of Rank Insignia consisting of three white and brown chevrons on a khaki background. 2. Two joined sets of rank insignia consisting of three white embroidered chevrons on a khaki background. 3. Set of rank insignia consisting of three gold coloured embroidered chevrons on a khaki background.
cooper collection, rank insignia, sergeant, army
Card sent by "Pte Herbert Charles Nott", no. 228, 6th Batt, AIF. Part of the Cooper Collection.
Four page card on cream coloured paper. Pages secured on LHS with blue and red ribbon. Front page has an oval cut out which reveals a gold coloured Rising Sun badge including the words 6th Battalion, surrounded by a wattle wreath. Cut out is edges with embossing. The word "Greetings" is printed in red on bottom RH Corner. The middle right page has text printed in blue type. Sender has written his name on this page.
Handwritten in pencil on right hand middle page: "Bert".
cooper collection, herbert charles nott, 6th battalion, card
The Gallipoli Legion of ANZACS was formed in Sydney after WW1 with membership limited to those who fought at ANZAC or were on Gallipoli. The legion folded in 1989. Part of the Cooper collection.
Folded card on cream coloured paper. On top LH corner of front page is the emblem of the Gallipoli Legion of ANZACS. Emblem consists of three vertical sections coloured, red, white and blue below a Kings Crown. Text on front cover in blue type. Text on inside in blue type.
cooper collection, gallipoli legion of anzacs, card
Items in collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM" Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record.
Cushion - black colour silk or cotton velvet fabric with silk cream and gold colour embroidery. Embroidered lettering and RAN emblem, King's Crown, Anchor and laurel leaves. Cushion edge - piped black colour silk fabric. Cushion back - black colour silk fabric. Cushion has an inner of unknown material.
Embroidered lettering on cushion. "Souvenir of Egypt/ 1941/ Royal Australian Navy/ H.M.A.S. VENDETTA"
souvenir, egypt, ran, ww2, william anthony theodore dsm
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record.
Bunting - mid blue colour cotton woven twill tape or ribbon with red, white and blue colour cotton triangular flags attached. Twelve flags are spaced at 50 cm intervals. Alternating colours.
Handwritten in blue ink pen on tape "WAT".
flags, bunting, navy, ww2, william anthony theodore dsm
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record.
Flag - white Naval ensign. White, red and dark blue colour woven cotton fabric. Ensign has red colour fabric, St. George's Cross on a white field with the Union Flag (red, white, dark blue) in the upper left canton. The design has been appliqued - sewing one piece of fabric to another. Header on hoist side with halyard hessian rope threaded through and attached at top and bottom.
Handwritten in black ink pen on back of header - "WT"/ "W.T."
flags, naval ensign, ww2, william anthony theodore dsm
Items in the collection re: "William Anthony (Bill) THEODORE DSM". Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service record.
Certificate - cream coloured paper with black and cream coloured print. Illustrated in colour with Navy, Army, Airforce and Nursing personnel above crossed flags - Union Jack and Australian above scroll work and City of Bendigo. Coat of Arms/crest bracketed by dates "1939 - 1945". Red coloured embossed "City of Bendigo" Seal lower right. Frame - clear varnished timber with cardboard backing, no glass.
Inscription on certificate - "TO YOU WHO SERVED/ THE CITIZENS OF BENDIGO/ EXPRESS/ DEEP THANKFULLNESS/ TO "W. THEODORE"/ Long as the heart beats life/ with in the breast/ And Freedom, Love and Plenitude endure/ So may your sacrifice for these/ be Blessed/ And Honour, Pride, Integrity ensure/ "A. Truscott" Mayor/ ??? Town Clerk".
framed accessories, certificate, ww2, ran, william anthony theodore dsm
These 3 images show the new renovations to the bar, dining area of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in early 1994. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2
.1) - .3) Photographs colour showing the Bar and 2 areas of the newly renovated bar and meals area of the Servicemen’s Club.
brsl, smirsl, bdsc
These two images are most likely at the opening of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club after the renovations finished early in 1994. On the left is Bill Clarke, next to him is Max O’Haloran. William (Bill) Clarke was President of the Servicemen’s Club from 1992 - 96. Max O’Haloran was President of the Club 1991 - 2, he was also President of the Bendigo RSL on two occasions. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2
.1) Photograph colour showing the front of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club, a ballon is showing overhead. .2) photograph colour showing an advertisement for some of the Clubs attractions. .3) & .4) photographs colour shows the same two men from different angles in front of the Servicemen’s Club.
brsl, smirsl, bdsc
These photos show the early renovations to the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in 1993 Havilah Road. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2 for more history.
.1) - .6) Series of 6 photographs colour showing early stages to the renovations of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in Havilah Road.
brsl, smirsl, bdsc, renovations
The original venue was opened in 1978. The Shovel phase as per the photos would be 1993 as the new renovations were completed in early1994. The four with the shovel, left to right, unknown, Bill Clarke (Glasses) G. Garth, possibly Dawn Cartner. Bill Clarke was President of the Club at that stage. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2 for more history.
.1) Photograph colour, showing part of the original venue at the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club Havilah Road. The bar was over in the far corner to the right, a section of the seating and Dance floor. The kitchen was to the right of the photo. .2) & .3) photo, colour shows 4 people with a shovel and hole in the dirt, in the back ground is several onlookers.
brsl, smirsl, bdsc, renovations
Part of the "Robert H Baron", No 3596 and Cooper Collections. See Catalogue No. 1981P for details of Baron's service.
1. Four page illustrated Christmas/New Year card. Front cover has two cut outs allowing Union Jack and Australian Flag to be visible. Embossed gold coloured Rising Sun on bottom RH corner. Text in grey type. Pages secured on LHS with blue ribbon. Flags on second page in silk on a cream background. Text on inside in grey type. Handwritten message in black ink. 2. Four page illustrated Christmas/New Year card. Front cover has colour picture of two cats in front of a fire. Text in black font including "Keep The Home Fires Burning". Inside text in grey type. Pages secured with red ribbon on LHS.
1. Handwritten in black ink: 'To my Dear Mother, Her loving Soldier Son. Wishing you all a Merry Xmas n a bright new year. 2. Handwritten in black ink 'To Myrtle, Elsie, Alfred dear little Fred, FROM There Loving Soldier Brother Bob. Hoping you have a lovely time at Xmas & the New Year, Bob'
robert h. baron, cooper collection, christmas card, ww1
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.
