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
"PRISONER OF TWO WARS" is far more simply the story of/ an Australian - possibly the only Australian - to become a prisoner in two World Wars.
Soft cover book.
Soft cover - cardboard, white and pale blue print on front, spine and back.
Background blue and black with front illustration a collection of eight portrait photographs.
211 pages, paper, cut, plain, white. Illustrated black and white photographs, maps and correspondence.
History of the Eighth Army from Sept 41 - Jan 43. Covered it's glory years of defeating the Axis Forces in North Africa.
Well worn Magazine, Titled "The 8th Army". Picture of British Soldier on front smiling and picture of 3 soldiers on back in an armoured vehicle in a desert scene. Contents covered the actions of The 8th Army in the battles of North Africa.
Titled "The Eighth Army" Inside written "J. Reeves, 19 Alphinall St. B/Head, Cheshire"
8th army, north africa, ww2, magazine
Magazine was issued by British Govt to give history of the R.A.C., starts with invention of tank in WW1, it's development and actions in WW2.
72 page magazine, dark brown cover with image of a soldiers head protruding out of the top of an armoured vehicle wearing ear phones.
Titled "The First Official Account of The Royal Armoured Corps" in red. At bottom "Through mud and blood to green fields beyond" in green.
rac, history, book, ww2
Book was used by ground forces to identify various German aircraft in WW2.
Brown hardcover book bound by boot lace going through 2 studs on front and 4 studs on back. Pink cover with writing in back. Inside pictures and descriptions of various German aircraft.
Marked on front;- "For Official Use Only". "Recognition handbook of German Aircraft" "Air Ministry". "Not to be taken into the Air".
book, ww2, aircraft identification, german planes
When Norway surrendered in 1940, citizens in overseas locations banded together to form a volunteer force. It was eventually officially recognised and grew to be an effective fighting force in the taking back of Norway.
Dark cover magazine with picture of soldier on front with an arctic snow background with several grounded gliders behind him. Arctic scene going over to the back. Contents contain pictures and descriptions of establishment of free Norway Forces and their growth as a viable fighting force.
Headed "Arctic War - Norway's Role on the Northern Front."
ww2, magazine, norway resistence
1. Battle dress jacket, khaki wool, cloth badges of Lt.Colonel on shoulders, 2 badges Northern Victorian Regiment and red 3rd Division badge - crossed swords. Two breast pockets. 2. Shirt, cotton/polyester, khaki, short sleeve. 3. Tie, polyester, khaki. 4. Trousers, woollen, khaki. One rear pocket, two side pockets. Khaki plastic buttons. 5. Belt, webbing pattern 37. Colour is faint green with brass fittings,
post ww2, 38 bn, nvr, passchendaele barracks trust
"Herbert Rex Wills" Reg. No.342872. Service details. Refer Cat No. 5231.3.
1. Jacket, Khaki colour wool/ polyester fabric, service dress style, no buttons. Collar, shoulder epaulettes, four front pockets, top with concealed buttonhole and two metal press studs on flap, lower button hole on flap. Sleeve Insignia Australian Coat of Arms embroidered on khaki patch, gold green, blue, red, black and white thread for Warrant Officer First Class. grey colour polyester fabric lining with manufactureres white cotton label inside left. 2. Belt, Khaki colour, wool/polyester fabric with holes and gold colour plastic buckle. Leather strap and button belt keeper. 3. Trousers, khaki colour wool/ polyester fabric, service dress style with fob pocket, two side pockets and one back pocket. Green colour polyester fabric waist and pocket lining with manufacturers white cotto label inside, on back pocket.
1,&,3. All print illegible.
uniform, army, service dress, rex willis
Refers to the service of Lt.Col. "Roy Shadforth".
1. Red waist jacket, white collars and white cuffs. 38 BN. R.V.R. Badge (Gold) on collars. Epaulettes show gold Lt.Col. badges and gold A.M.F. buttons. It has one interior pocket. 2. Red sleeveless vest. 4 brass (Gold) buttons, AMF motif, lined with a faint light cotton. 2 exterior pockets. 3. Shirt, short sleeved - off white. polyester cotton, 6 clear buttons, one breast pocket. 4. Black bow tie with plastic mount. 5. Trousers, woollen, black. Red pin stripe on outside legs. Lined with same cotton as vest. Straps at bottom of legs to hook up under feet.
1. Written inside one arm pit is Shadforth. 2. Written inside vest is Shadforth. 5. Written on trouser pocket is Shadforth.
post ww2, cmf, uniform, roy shadforth, passchendaele barracks trust
"Herbert Rex WILLIS" Reg No. 342872 Service Details. Refer Cat No. 5231.3
1. Jacket - Khaki colour, wool serge fabric, Battle dress style, belted at the waist with metal buckle and brown plastic buttons. Collar, shoulder epaulettes, two front pockets with concealed button down flap and sleeve cuffs. Shoulder insignia - with yellow lettering - "ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEERS". Rank insignia on sleeves - brown, white and red, - Warrant Officer Second Class. Service Ribbons above left pocket L-R, Vietnam Campaign Medal. Long Service Medal, South Vietnamese Medal with clasp "60-". Light khaki colour cotton twill fabric lining. Manufacturers white cotton twill fabric label - inside on left pocket lining. 2. Lanyard - dark blue colour cotton cord with knots.
1. Manufacturers information on label - black ink print "REGIMENTAL NO./ NAME", Red ink print "M.TX/IZE 5". On pocket lining - purple ink "D^D/ MADE IN AUSTRALIA/ 1954. On collar lining - handwritten, black ink pen "WILLIS" .
uniform, army, battle dress, rex willis
The Wrangler was a magazine issued during WW2 in Western Australia with proceeds going to W.A. Prisoners of War. The magazine contained stories, jokes, poems etc and were mainly contributed by readers. The readers seem to be mainly from an industry factory most likely in armaments.
Small 16 page magazine stapled together on cream coloured paper. On top is a picture of a wreath with two bullet shells making up a "V". Titled "The Wrangler" and has Vol No. date and price. Contents were written in black and were message to readers gossip on workers, social news, poems and general news.
Titled "The Wrangler".
the wrangler, book, home front, ww2
A book of poems written by Tarlton Rayment at end of WW2.
94 Page book of Poems and Drawings. Black writing on cover and faded picture of an eagle in flight. Book faded cream colour with front and back having a red outline. Inside the front cover a message of appreciation and then 7 pages of subscribers. Contents include a detailed prelude and then a series of poems, some with accompanying illustrations.
Titled "Eagles and Earthlings - a metrical tribute to Aircrews in War". Tarlton Rayment (Author).
poems, aircrews, book
"W.J. BERTUCH" - Service details - Refer Cat No. 1664.2
Letter - beige colour paper with black and blue print business letterhead, black ink type written letter and blue ink pen, handwritten signature. Letter has been folded. This is a "To Whom it May Concern" letter written on behalf of W.J. Bertuch, supporting his late arrival at camp after leave.
Letterhead with black and blue print. "GEO. R. INNES & SONS/ 411-417 HARGREAVES STREET, BENDIGO TELEPHONE 3 0574 (3 lines) P.O. BOX 74/ AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SPECIALISTS NEW & USED CARS" Signature in blue ink pen "C.T. Blake" .
correspondence, letter, w j bertuch
1. Jacket, Khaki Officers pattern jacket, four pockets, dark AMF metal buttons. Rising Sun Badges on collars. Rank Lt.Colonel Badge. On shoulder has felt Royal Victorian Regiment. 2. Shirt - Khaki, 2 pockets, longe sleeved. 3. Tie - wool, brown. 4. Peaked cap - khaki. Darkened Rising Sun badge on front.
Jacket - no name., Shirt has texta name - HENNEQUIN 3203681 Tie - no marks.
post ww2, cmf, 38 bn, passchendaele barracks trust
Eaglehawk RSL Ladies Auxiliary. Refer Cat No 8111 for their Honor board also 8110.
Dark timber frame with gold edgeing with B & W photo inside a white card inset, separate card inset with details. Shows 36 ladies seated and standing with 2 on the floor central.
"Eaglehawk RSL Ladies Auxiliary 1952"
brsl, smirsl, ehrsl, auxiliary
The Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club became the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Inc in the year 2000 hence the difference in the name titles on the plaques. Refer Cat No 8073P
Light coloured timber frame with 3 plaques different colours, shapes and sizes. 1. Top plaque re the opening of the Bendigo & District Servicemen's Club in Havilah Road Bendigo on 19.12.1979. 2. Centre plaque re stage 2 re development of the above building on 18.12.1994. 3. Bottom plaque re the re development of the Bendigo District RSL Entertainment Complex on 27.7.2014.
brsl, smirsl, bdsc, bdrslinc, plaques
"W.J. BERTUCH" for service details Refer Cat No. 1664.2.
1. Shirt - Khaki colour cotton/polyester long sleeve with shoulder epaulettes and brown plastic buttons. Two front pockets with button down flaps. Gold colour metal badge "AUSTRALIA" - on right epaulette. Manufacturers white cotton fabric label inside back below collar and bottom of shirt. 2. Trousers - khaki colour wool/polyester fabric. Service dress style with fob pocket, two side pockets, one back pocket with concealed button down flap. Brown plastic buttons and metal fly zip. 3. Belt - light brown colour nylon webbing, service dress style with black colour metal slide buckle.
Manufacturers information on labels in black ink print. 1. Top - "CLASS - 8405/ 66-017-2261/ REGIMENTAL NO./ NAME". Handwritten black ink pen "VS38". Bottom "MACHINE WASHABLE/ DO NOT BOIL/ DRIP DRY/ WARM IRON/ SALCO/ VICTORIA/ 1966. Handwritten black ink pen "VS38". 2. Rt side label 'REGIMENTAL NO./ NAME". Left side label "Dry Clean only/ Repress on original crease/ use damp cloth or medium/ TO HOT STEAM IRON/ Mending patch attached." Handwritten - black ink pen "VS38". 3. Black ink stamp - "CGCF D^D 1957? 0108/ 5499".
uniform, army, service dress, wj bertuch
"W.J.BERTUCH" SERVICE DETAILS - REFER CAT NO. 1664.2.
1. Jacket - khaki colour, wool fabric, Battle dress style, belted at waist with metal buckle and brown plastic buttons. Collar, shoulder epaulettes, two front pockets with button down flap and sleeve cuffs. Shoulder insignia, white on red lettering "ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT". Light khaki cotton twill fabric pocket lining. Manufacturers white fabric cotton labels. - Left pocket lining. Handwritten information. 2. Trousers - khaki colour wool fabric, Battle dress style, with two side pockets, two back pockets with concealed button down flap, one side leg pocket with concealed button down flap, button down belt loops on waist band, five button fly. Brown plastic buttons. Light khaki colour cotton twill lining to waist band and pockets. Manufacturers white cotton label, back waistband lining. Handwritten information. 3. Braces - type known as "POLICE AND FIREMEN". Set of cotton, flat elastic braces with leather button attachments for trousers. Stripes on elastic are brown, beige, blue, black and grey in colour. Metal slides for adjustment to wearers size.
1. & 2. Manufacturers information on labels. 1. Tw labels - black ink print - "Regimental NO./ NAME". Red ink print "M.T.X./ SIZE 3". Third cotton label - black ink print - all print indecipherable. Handwritten information - blue ink pen "PTE W.J. BERTUCH" 2. Black ink print "J. WILSON PTY LTD/ 1953/ SIZE 118/ MADE IN AUSTRALIA/ REGIMENTAL NO. / NAME". BLACK INK STAMP "?? - RO-SET" Handwritten information, blue ink pen "BERTUCH/ 59060". 3. Stamped on metal adjustment slides 'POLICE AND FIREMEN". Black ink stamp on leather F.B.??/ ^/ 1966/38.
uniform, army, battle dress, w.j. bertuch
Box would contain a belt of .303 ammunition for a Vickers machine gun - one belt of 250 rounds. Yellow lining included to make the box gas tight to avoid ammunition being corroded.
Metal box with double hinged lid. Two leather handles rivetted to each side of the box. Two leather straps on one end for fastening. Inside of lid lined with yellow coloured felt padding. Box originally painted dark green.
Stamped on opposite end to fastener: "RPL" above a circle.
ammunition box, vickers machine gun, ww2
Jacket belongs to "DOHERTY Geoffrey" NX 73701. 2/6 Armoured Regiment Trousers - no name.
1. Army Jacket, Khaki, woollen, 4 breast pockets. Four darkened metal buttons in centre. Rising Sun Badges on Collar - ACMF colour patch on shoulder, Tank unit. Gray felt backing, Sergeant's stripes. There are two holes on each epaulette for badge mounting. 2. Trousers, khaki woollen, these are NOT WW2. Long trousers, drab olive plastic buttons. 3. WW2 pattern belt webbing. It has been painted white - brass fittings.
1. Inside is written NX 7301 DOHERTY G. 2. Nil 3. ABBOTT written inside.
uniform, ww2, army, passchendaele barracks trust
Item used to clean the barrel of an SLR (Self Loading Rifle).
Metal rod tied to a rope. Rope has two loops incorporated. Loop in middle and loop in opposite end of metal rod.
slr, pull through, kevin john herdman
1. Jacket, khaki colour, wool/polyester fabric, service dress style with gold colour plastic buttons with metal shank and split rings. Buttons have raised emblem RAEME. Collar, shoulder epaulettes, four front pockets, top two with buttons and two metal press studs on flap, lower button down flap. Two lapel badges - metal RAEME. Rank insignia patch on sleeves - crown - Warrant Officer 2nd class. Green colour polyester fabric lining with white cotton manufacturers label. 2. Trousers, khaki colour, wool/polyester fabric, service dress style with fob pocket, two side pockets and one pocket. Green colour polyester fabric lining to waist and pocket with manufacturers white cotton label inside one back pocket.
Manufacturers information on labels - black ink print. 1. & 2. "CARBONE APPAREL/ VICTORIA/ ^/ DRY CLEAN ONLY/ RE-PRESS USING IRON AND/ DAMP CLOTH OR MEDIUM/ TO HOT STEAM IRON/ CREASE UPPER HALF OF LAPEL ONLY/ SERVICE NO./ NAME" Handwritten blue ink pen "11.6.80/ ENNST G.A."
uniform, army, service dress
Books were used as references for aircraft spotter on the home front and in battle during WW2.
1. 64 page book outlining descriptions of British monoplanes. Front cover predominately black with red writing. Pictures of a plane in a search light over a city landscape. 2. 64 page book outlining descriptions of German warplane. Front cover predominately black with green writing with same background.
1. Title "AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION" - British. 2. Title - "AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION" - German.
german aircraft, british aircaft, books, ww2
Brassards were worn by Peacekeeping Forces to identify their identity. Belonged to Gary Clift R.127835 M8073771. For RAMSI was deployed as ship's company HMAS BRUNEI. For PNG was deployed from HMAS TARAKAN & BRUNEI.
1. PNG Peace Keeping Mission Brassard. Bright yellow brassard. Stitched on white Australian ensign on arm picture of dove carrying a twig overlaid over a map of Bougainville in green. Blue background. 2. RAMSI brassard for Solomon Island Peace Keeping Mission. Dark green with Australian Flag sewn onto sleeve. As is RAMSI emblem (yellow border, white dove over map os islands).
1. Embroidered "Peace" & "Peace Monitorial Group". 2. Embroidered patch "Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands" and "Helpen Frew".
peace keepers, uniform, brassards, ramsi
Jacket, khaki colour, wool/polyester fabric. Service dress style. No belt or buttons. Collar, shoulder epaulettes, four front pockets - top two with buttonhole and two metal press studs on flap, lower with flap. Rank Insignia on top sleeve - crown and stripes for Staff Sergeant. Lining - khaki polyester fabric with manufacturers label inside left. Label white cotton fabric.
Manufacturers information on label - black ink print. "E.W. P/LTD/ SOUTH AUSTRALIA/ 1971/ ^/ SIZE 39 SHORT/ CLASS 8405/ 66-019-8482/ ARMY NO./ NAME/.DRY CLEAN ONLY/.REPRESS USING IRON AND DAMP/ CLOTH OR MEDIUM TO HOT/ STEAM IRON/. CREASE UPPER HALF OF/ LAPELS ONLY"
uniform, army, service dress
Lance Corporal "Alfred Alexander Priest" No. 5162. Enlisted 31/12/15 into 6th Battalion, 16th Reinforcements. Embarked 1 April 1916 for England the 29 Aug 1916 to France. Hospitalised 8 Nov 1916 for trench foot and rejoined unit 11 Feb 1917. WIA 27 Feb 1917 GSW left forearm and rejoined 30 July 1917. WIA 4 Oct 1917 GSW left finger and rejoined 1 Jan 1918. WIA 16 May 1918 multiple gunshot wounds - died 27 May 1918. Buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.
Ful length portrait of Alfred Alexander Priest in full uniform of WW1 ANZAC Soldier, in sepia. Man standing in an outside setting, holding a cane.
Front bottom right hand corner written "KALMA BENDIGO". Back top right corner written "Len's Uncle, Alfred Priest".
ww1, 6th battalion, alfred alexander priest
Jacket, Khaki colour, wool serge fabric. Battle dress style. Metal buttons with shank with split ring or safety pin. Buttons have raised emblem and letters -"LONDON ENGLAND" - appear to be British. Two buttons missing. Collar, shoulder epaulettes, four front pockets with button down flaps. White cotton fabric pocket lining. Two rank insignia top of sleeves, three stripes - Sergeant. Lower right sleeve, three chevrons; denotes overseas service. Right pocket lining - handwritten writing.
Right pocket lining - handwritten black ink - writing illegible.
uniform, army, battle dress, ww1
1. & 2. 2. is a duplicate copy. Both are dated 1 July 1987 to 30 June 1988. Part of the "Kevin John Herdman", No.397661 Collection. See catalogue No. 5942P for details of his service.
1. & 2. A4 page folded in three. Printing on five of the six pages. Text in black type. Army Reserve Insignia on top of front page. 1. Has two holes punched on RH side.
1. Handwritten on front in black ink: 397661 MAJ. K.J. HERDMAN
army reserve, training, kevin john herdman
Refers to the service of Lt. Colonel "Roy Shadforth" 38 Bn NVR.
1. Jacket - Ceremonial dress, black woollen. Brass AMF buttons. Northern Victorian Regiment. Brass Badges on collars - Major's Rank Badge. 2. Trousers - black ceremonial with red strip. 3. Whistle, pea. with lanyard, leather. 4. Sam Browne belt, tan leather, brass fittings. 5. Hat, peaked, black with gold braid on brim, green band NVR badge. 6.& 7. Gloves, leather, brown, lined. 8. Scabbard sword. Tan leather, silver top (No Sword in Museum).
38 bn, post ww2., roy shadforth, passchendaele barracks trust
Hanger, William Robert B. 1907 Aust Inf Corps. VP3651 NAA file covers 1935. The jacket was probably from Hanger, William Robert.
1. Dark Khaki woollen jacket. Four pockets. Darkened AMF buttons. 38Bn colour patch on shoulders. darkened Major's badge on epaulettes. Rising Sun on collars. One medal ribbon on chest - Efficiency decoration. 2. Cotton polyester short sleeve shirt. light plastic buttons with epaulettes. 3. Tie, Khaki, Polyester. 4. Belt, Sam Browne, tan leather with brass fittings.
4. Belt. Written inside belt is "Donated by Capt. D.F.V. Hufer A3/92041. There was another name, it has been obliterated. Another name - Capt. W.R. Hanger VP 3651.
ww2, 38 bn, passchendaele barracks trust
Partial dress uniform of RAAF for "Peter Stoklahsa". Enlisted 1966 to 1987. Refer to cat No. 7674P.
1. Dark blue pants size 97. White label on inside. 4 pockets, clip to do up and white elastic lining on inside. 2. RAAF blue jacket. Two breast pockets and two lower pocket flaps with no pocket. Four large front buttons and two smaller pocket buttons. 'Australia' shoulder flashes and service ribbon above left chest pocket. Inside cotton lining and inside pocket on right side. Makers label sewn on inside and Commonwealth emblem on sleeve. 3. Blue Air Force cap size 7. Leather inside lining and plastic and black material band. Button on each side with plastic strap. Gold Air Force emblem of Laurel leaves, spread Eagle and Crown.
Inside maker - Australian Government Clothing Factory. Size 7.
raaf, uniform, peter stoklahsa
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.
